It's true what they say – love will strike you when you least expect it. Yes, I've been thinking of him off and on for years, hoping that one day I'd find the right one, but deep down inside I was doubtful of my chances. Then today, I saw him. All alone, off to one corner, looking a little sad and tattered, but still self-assured and very solid. I smiled. He did not respond. So I walked up to him, and caressed him lightly with my fingertips, and that's when I knew it was all over for me. Throwing caution to the wind, I called a cab and took him home.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a man of letters.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Kate S. | August 14, 2007 at 08:20 PM
So you finally gave in and bought one. I suppose it's in the library ... gee there's going to be hardly any space for me and my stuff when I visit!
Posted by: Dorothy Kew | August 15, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Sweet! Does the "n" key work, or do you have to fill the "n"s in by hand like Paul Sheldon in Misery?
Posted by: Steven W. Beattie | August 15, 2007 at 08:24 AM
I used to have one very like this one - sold it four or five moves ago, but it survived several moves after I bought it in the year after high school before beginning first year!
Congratulations on the addition to your family.
Posted by: richard Pickard | August 15, 2007 at 09:40 AM
I am so jealous.
Posted by: Pete | August 15, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Now that's just cool!
Posted by: Heather | August 15, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Nice, huh? I am very pleased, I must say.
Pete, if you want one, you should save up and get one, as a treat for yourself. I've been hankering for an Underwood for a long time, and about two years ago I saw one in an antique store in Burlington (and it was cheaper than this one I bought!), but I didn't buy it, because it just seemed like such a decadent purchase. I really regretted not buying it. So I knew that sometime this year I was going to purchase one, no matter what. I wasn't planning to buy one yesterday, but that's what happened! Now I'm not sure if I can just stick with one...heh heh..
Steve, I haven't actually tried typing on it yet, (it's really just for show) but the "n" key does look like it works ok. Phew! And the sucker is REALLY heavy! Doesn't Paul Sheldon wack the nurse on the head with his typewriter near the end of the film? Man that would hurt.
Oh, and Mom, don't worry. There's still room for you. Until I get another typewriter, that is...hee hee..
Posted by: Patricia | August 15, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Bee-YOO-ti-ful.
Posted by: Slimbolala | August 15, 2007 at 02:35 PM
I'm glad to hear that it's just for show. It's certainly good-looking, and it will contribute to the atmosphere. But the idea of actually using such a machine - well, I wish I didn't know what it was like.
Posted by: R J Keefe | August 15, 2007 at 08:14 PM
Hi, I just discovered your site through Typepad and wanted to say (a) what a great site and (b) what a great purchase. I imagine that it's almost as much fun to gaze at the typewriter as it is to contemplete the next book on the reading list to attack. All my best and enjoy!
Posted by: B. | August 15, 2007 at 08:20 PM
It reminded me of Stephen King novels too actually. Btw, ever heard of Dvorak keyboards?
Posted by: John Mutford | August 15, 2007 at 10:20 PM
A wonderful piece of equipment, and great to know it has found a loving home. Your photos are great.
Posted by: Val | August 15, 2007 at 10:40 PM
su-weeet! :)
Posted by: Tartrazina | August 16, 2007 at 05:44 AM
wow. it's a nice one! and an underwood too! I've been looking for one of those for so long! I just love the feel of the keys. so different from a keyboard.
just found your blog and I have to tell you it's so great!
Posted by: katie | August 16, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Lovely. Wow. :)
Posted by: Naseem | August 16, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Can you still get ribbons?
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 17, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Patricia, my father had this exact typewriter. I'm not kidding. What a glance down memory-lane for me.
What a hilarious blog.
You've fallen for Mr. Underwood.
And even I must admit.... he's a hottie.
He's a keeper.
Posted by: cipriano | August 18, 2007 at 10:45 PM
What a WONDERFUL typewriter! I have a thing for old typewriters as well, but don't have much room in my office to put one. To cipriano: Love your post ("You've fallen for Mr. Underwood.")
Posted by: Debbie | August 19, 2007 at 06:36 AM
You are stylish. I love it. I hope you use it to write love letters.
Love that my book managed to sneak in the pic too. I taught it to do that.
Posted by: Claire Cameron | August 20, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Its gorgeous!
Spread Love...
... but wear the Glove!
BlueBerry Pick'n
can be found @
ThisCanadian DOT com
"Silent Freedom is Freedom Silenced"
Posted by: BlueBerry Pick'n | August 21, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Claire, your book is amazing. I finished it well over a month ago, and I MUST talk about it on my blog. Many apologies for not writing about it yet! Life gets so busy, and writing a decent book review takes too many of my brain cells these days...
Posted by: Patricia | August 23, 2007 at 10:25 AM
I've always coveted an old Underwood. I suppose it's part of my DNA or something. Alas, I ended up with my mom's old Royal. Which had been HER mom's once upon a time.
I wore the poor thing out before I bought my first computer. But it stayed in my parents' basement for years before I brought it home last year. Where it sits, unused, in my own basement.
You've inspired me to take it out and display it on the mantel. I love the lore of these things.
Posted by: Carmi | August 23, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Oh Patricia, I'm so pleased that you succumbed to his advances...years from now he would haunt you still had you not.
Seriously, I refer to treasures-found such as yours as "purchases for the soul", vital to our everyday existence.
Posted by: Gail | August 27, 2007 at 07:14 PM
Patricia, you might like to know that this post of yours, and that gorgeous typewriter, were directly responsible for this flash fiction piece I wrote:
http://www.petelit.com/2007/08/the-lovely-miss.html
Posted by: Pete | August 30, 2007 at 09:39 AM