Underwood No. 3 Typewriter Value Guide

The Underwood No. 3 is the specialized wide-carriage counterpart to the legendary No. 5, specifically engineered for oversized accounting ledgers and administrative forms. Its robust cast iron construction and front-strike mechanism represent the pinnacle of early 20th-century American office engineering.

What Is Underwood No. 3 Typewriter Worth?

The typical price range for Underwood No. 3 Typewriter is $180 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality, specifically the smooth movement of the oversized carriage and the integrity of the drawband.
• Cosmetic preservation of the gold pinstriping and the lack of significant pitting or rust on the cast iron body.
• The condition of the original rubber platen and feed rollers, which often harden or crack over a century of use.
• Presence of original decals and the clarity of the glass key legends, which significantly impact display appeal.

How to Identify Underwood No. 3 Typewriter?

• Verify the wide carriage frame, which extends significantly further than the standard No. 5 model to accommodate large paper.
• Look for the distinct black enamel finish accented by original gold pinstriping and the Underwood branding above the keyboard.
• Check for the 'No. 3' designation clearly marked on the frame, typically located on the front or back of the machine.
• Inspect the keys for genuine glass tops over white paper inserts, a hallmark of authentic early production units.

History of Underwood No. 3 Typewriter

The Underwood Typewriter Company revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the No. 5 in 1900, which defined the standard typewriter design for decades. The No. 3, featured here, was the wide-carriage version of the famous No. 5, designed primarily for accounting ledgers and large administrative forms that required more space than a standard letter.