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Underwood 18, The Italian Typewriter (1966) Restored
€239Bid from €220
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Private sellerProduct description
The great Underwood story: In 1959, Olivetti acquired 35% of the shares of the American manufacturer Underwood. In 1960, Olivetti took control, and Underwood-Olivetti was formed (later Olivetti-Underwood S.p.A. – as a sales company). In 1963, Olivetti acquired almost 100%, effectively making the American legend a subsidiary. The largest supplier was Antares – also an Olivetti company with its own brand identity.
The Italian Mid-Century design of the Underwood 18 is by Carlo Grassi and harks back to earlier Antares models, such as the Annabella and Domus. It's about far more than mere function: the object asserts its presence even outside the office and home. The fashionable carrying case made this typewriter a true accessory for the modern woman, comparable to a hat or a wristwatch.
No wonder it reminds me of Virna Lisi. No scandal, no ostentation, just poise and timeless elegance. Powerful aesthetics, made for the intellectually independent woman of the 1960s who sought her place in the world. This is the kind of femininity that stems from hard work and true human maturity.
This is also reflected in the mechanics of the Underwood 18. It is "very Italian" and offers the typical, smooth Olivetti writing feel. Just a light touch on the keys is all it takes for clean, crisp writing. The perfect choice for diaries, letters, or creative art projects.
Aesthetic condition: After thorough cleaning, care, and polishing, the metal casing and chrome-plated surfaces have regained their original shine. They have also been treated with SiO2, making them resistant and durable. Very fine signs of use are still visible on the casing—they tell the story of this machine. The carrying case, including its handles and clasp, is intact. Only in a few short sections has the adhesive on the seams come loose, but this does not affect its function and is barely noticeable. It is clean and has been treated with a silicone-free plastic care product.
Technical Condition:
Thanks to thorough cleaning, maintenance, and fine-tuning, all mechanisms function perfectly. The platen and all rubber parts have also undergone special cleaning and conditioning, which can extend the machine's lifespan by several more decades.
Only silicone oil-, wax-, and carcinogen-free products were used during the restoration.
This typewriter is fully documented in the International Typewriter Database (TWDB).
Technical Specifications
Category: Ultra-portable
Type: Underwood 18
Manufacturer: Underwood Italiana S.p.A. Made in Italy - Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto
S/N (Year of Manufacture): U - 7524269 - 099 /1966
Case: Aluminum Mechanics &
Chassis: Metal
Keyboard: QWERTZ with ä, ö, ü, ß
Font: Pica 10 cpi
Color: Light pebble gray RAL 7032
Compatible ribbon: "Underwood ribbon", or Group/Size 9 with 13mm bandwidth
Scope of delivery: Underwood 18 typewriter with original carrying case
High-quality black and red Underwood ribbon (newly installed)
Handcrafted segment lock for safe transport and dust protection
Instruction manual (high-quality copy)
Notes: The photos were taken by me. Since colors may vary on different screens, please refer to the color description provided.
Before packaging, the typewriter is fitted with a high-quality ribbon and all functions are tested again.
Within the EU, insured express shipping is provided in careful, professional packaging.
I offer a 14-day right of withdrawal; however, the buyer bears the return shipping costs. farbenundklang is a private project; therefore, this is a private sale. An invoice cannot be issued.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBeige, BrownMaterialChrome, PlasticNumber of items1Height10 cmWidth33 cmDepth33 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerOederan, GermanyOn Whoppah since June 2026 • 0 sales