• Typewriter Serial Number Lookup
• Woodstock Typewriter Serial Number Location

The Oliver No. 1 is arguably one of the most sought-after typewriters ever. This is due to its historical significance as well as its uniqueness in that it looks very different from its successors. The Oliver 1 was manufactured in Dubuque, Iowa. All model 1 machines were nickel plated and have flat side handles and black keytops.

The Oliver 1 does not have a removable carriage.Only around 500 machines were made, and I know of 10 currently in existance today. Unfortunately, I have yet to add an Oliver 1 to my collection. The Oliver No. 2 was the first Oliver model produced at the factory in Woodstock, Illinois. Initally, the first few hundred Oliver No.

2s were nickel plated. The iconic olive green paint was introducted as an option and eventually became the standard finish. The white keytops were also introduced in the same manner.Many improvements were made during the production run of this model, all of which are listed in the table below.

Note that there is no Oliver model '1 1/2' or '1B'- the model 2 was continually revised and updated throughout its production run. Also note that the Oliver Typewriter Company jumped from serial number 500 to 5001 when starting production of the Oliver No. The Oliver No. 5 is the next traditional model after the Oliver No. (The Oliver No. 4 is not the next traditional model because starting with the model 4, the even-numbered machines were manufactured for international markets.) The model 5 is noticeably different from previous models in shape and design.

Numerous improvements were introduced throughout this model's life span, all of which are listed in the table below.The Oliver No. 5 was the first model to offer a new typeface called Printype. It was designed to mimic actual book print. Machines with this typeface option have 'The Printype Oliver - Pat. 5, 1912' displayed on their paper tables.

With nearly half a million machines produced, the Oliver No. 9 is by far the most common Oliver model.

This model introduced shift keys on both sides of the keyboard.The key cover was changed (most likely at serial number 875001) to have a single open slot at the top instead of two smaller slots.Some Oliver No. 9 machines have the keys staggered differently.

Traditionally, looking from left to right, the keys protrude from the top row, the bottow row, and then the middle row. The alternate keyboard staggers in order, from the top row, the middle row, and then the bottom row.

Some of the symbols and other characters were also rearranged on the alternate keyboard. The machines with these alternate keyboards have an 'A' prefix on the serial number. The earliest example I have found is my machine, serial number A900380X. After this machine, the only other examples I could find before serial number A980001 is A928771X and A975283X. Beginning with A980001, all model 9 machines were given the 'A' prefix and alternate keyboard.

Note that this excludes Oliver No. L-10 machines which have a Spanish keyboard with the traditional staggered layout and therefore do not have an 'A' prefix. The Oliver No. 11 was the last Oliver model produced for the domestic market. Compared to its predecessors, the Oliver No. 11 was given a different look. The iconic olive green paint was discontinued in favor of gloss black accented with gold pinstriping.

The Oliver logo was redesigned using a thin lettering.The side handles were replaced with side cutouts to lift the machine. Many sources say that only 35,000 model 11s were produced. However, this is incorrect; 50,000 Oliver 11s were produced. I have seen Oliver No. 11 serial number 1049945 to help back this claim.Some model 11 (also 12, L-12, and L-13) serial numbers have a 'B' prefix.

Unlike the 'A' prefix on Oliver No. 9 machines which denotes an alternate keyboard, the 'B' prefix has no correlation to the keyboard. Some machines with a 'B' prefix have the alternate keyboard and some do not. I have yet to figure out what the 'B' prefix means.

Typewriter MuseumPeople in their 20s, or even 30s, and younger today may not realize how significant the switch from typewriters to computer was. I remember in high school, college and law school, slowly typing papers - or more frequently, I remember my wonderful sister typing papers for me! An error meant using 'White Out' or starting over. The IBM Correcting Selectric which lifted the error off the page was wonderful but much too expensive to buy. I remember using one at my dad's office and one while dog sitting. I remember my sister typing a paper for me that needed to be 5 pages.

It was too short and she had to type the whole thing over using wider margins, as I recall starting at midnight. I took a typing class in summer school after ninth grade. It was my only C grade in high school. There was also only one other boy in the class. It was the early 1970s and most people who needed to type fast for a living were secretaries and most secretaries were women. I remember we had Olympia manual typewriters. See for the repsonses of other people to the question, 'Did you ever use a manual typewriter?'

See also,.I never drafted documents directly on a typewriter. Rather, I would write them out in long hand and sometimes do a second or third draft. Only then did typing begin. When I was a law clerk and young lawyer, the shift was being made from typewriters to computers. I remember as a law clerk in Eugene, Oregon, the office had one new expensive dedicated word processing computer. It could only be used for long documents. Most typing was still on typewriters.

One IBM Selectric typewriter had a 'mag card' machine which stored the keystrokes in memory and could be used to reprint or revise a document, but without any screen. Secretaries did all of the typing, whether on a typewriter or word processor. Attorneys and law clerks usually dictated the documents using either a hand-held or desktop recorder which the secretaries would then listen to and type out.

You wanted to avoid the need for revisions if the secretary used a typewriter! Even when personal computers became commonplace in law offices, usually only the secretaries would type documents. I used a dictating machine through much of my legal career. Dictating is a skill in itself and difficult at first for a young law clerk. With time, however, it becomes much easier to 'write by talking.'

Indeed, I think dictation helped me to think and talk on my feet and become a much better oral communicator.While in an LL.M. Program in Energy Law I wrote a 265 page thesis. The initial draft was hand written which I then paid someone to type for me. For the final draft I rented a Kaypro 4 computer. My wife helped me type it.

I inserted the end notes. The word processing program, Perfect Writer, came with the computer. It allowed a split screen with the main document on the top and the endnotes on the bottom - sort of an early version of 'windows' on a computer. This allowed me to easily draft the extensive endnotes. It was that Kaypro in 1984 that made me truly appreciate computers. Typing the thesis on a typewriter error free would have taken forever!It was several years later before computers were on the desks of both secretaries and attorneys at most law offices.

At that time I began to draft documents directly on the computer. That is the true significance of the switch from typewriters to computers.

Now one could write and revise at the same time. There is no longer necessarily a first draft, second draft, etc. Rather, one can continuously revise.

The end result can be a much better document if one takes the time to carefully review and polish. To write in this way one also needs to know the basics of touch typing. Once you know the basics, speed comes with time.

The goal is to be able to think about your writing. The typing becomes automatic.While computers are a powerful tool for writers, that tool can also lead to poor, sloppy, careless writing. I see this sometimes in students' writing. While teachers have always stressed, 'don't copy and use your own words,' computers make it easy to copy.

For example, a common way for students to do a research paper is to copy and paste from the Internet (often without reading) and then just change words. There is little understanding and little original thought or synthesis. Computers can also encourage sloppy, careless writing.

This is often observed in e-mail where one jots down ideas often without reflection. We become impatient using short hand words instead of standard English. For example, when I became a teacher I was surprised to learn that many students think 'cause' is a substitute for 'because.' One of the goals of the Typewriter Museum is for visitors to appreciate the significance of the switch from typewriters to computers. Computers are a powerful writing tool leading to clear and concise writing when used with care, precision and reflection. As an educator, I believe it is important that we explicitly teach students how to effectively write using a computer.

Typewriter Serial Number Lookup

AdlerAdler Universal (1956) Large, heavy duty, manual office typewriter with a wide carriage. Made in West Germany. A precision machine with very smooth key action. While there were electric office typewriters at the time, this demonstrates that less expensive manual office typewriters were also still in use. In 1956 all portable typewriters were manual with Smith Corona introducing the portable 5TE electric typewriter the following year. Smith Corona's ad campaign emphasized that you could get a portable electric for a small office for less money than a standard manual desk typewriter.

Purchased on 7-31-08 as one of 23 typewriters and mechanical calculators for a total of $200 in Fletcher Hills (El Cajon, CA). It is in very good operating and cosmetic condition except it needs a new ribbon and there is some corrosion on the bottom, front of the frame.Adler Universal 200. Large, heavy duty, manual typewriter made in Germany. Purchased around March 2008 near Home Avenue at a San Diego garage sale from an elderly widow for $7.

The woman's husband had been a San Diego police officer. She indicated that this typewriter had been used by the police to type reports. Her husband received it when he retired. My guess is that the typewriter when new was from around the 1960s. It is in good working and cosmetic condition although it is quite dirty. An Adler typewriter, although not this model, was used in the movie 'The Shining.'

A photo is at (perhaps a third of the way down the very long Web page) as well as. In the movie, Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nickelson, is susposedly writing a novel. However, he only types page after of: 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Adler J5 Portable (1973) West German portable typewriter made by 'T-A Organisation.' States: 'Navy blue and sleek as a fighter plane, this Adler J-5 is smooth typing all the way.'

The plastic cover of this 1970s typewriter turn some people off, however. Describes it as a 'little junky' but then admits that he might have been a little hard on it. (That site is from a teacher in Phoenix who brings typewriters into the classroom to encourage students to write.) finds 'it types much better than it looks.' I think it types and looks great!

One like mine sold on on August 22, 2010 apparently for $98. It had previously been offered at $135. An Alder J2 on eBay listed in October 2010 for $9.99 plus $26 shipping has not sold in over two weeks, however. An ad in the May 7, 1973 New Yorker Magazine at page 93 at states: 'Rated #1 manual portable by a consumer panel of expert typists, the Adler J5 will be your first choice, too.

Ruggedly built for the most demanding requirements, it has virtually all the type-easy features you're looking for, plus feather touch, lively action and consistent speed. Wide choice of handsome type styles. Carrying case included.' It is called the Adler J-5 Precision Portable. Discusses repair of an Adler J5 ribbon vibrator including partial disassembly of the machine. I acquired mine (serial no. 15101083) for free in the San Carlos area of San Diego on October 16, 2010 from an October 14, 2010 ad on Craigslist San Diego.

It is in excellent cosmetic and working condition and comes with the molded plastic case, owner's manual and the original receipt. It was originally purchased on July 3, 1973 at Lund Office Equipment in Santa Barbara, California for $130 with $7.80 sales tax. $130 in 1973 has the same buying power as $640 today. Incidentally, the California sales tax rate has increased from 6% in 1973 to 8.75% in 2010 and even more in some cities with La Mesa at 9.5% and El Cajon at 9.75%. To compare, the Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4036 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop I am writing this on cost $470 on August 30, 2010. You can get a nice ink jet printer for under $50 today or a laser printer for under $100. BlickensderferBlickensderfer No.

5 (1896) (, ) The Blickensderfer No. 5 is the first Blickensderfer model likely actually produced in significant numbers.

Prior numbered models may have just been prototypes and apparently none exist today. While the very first No. 5 may have been produced in 1893, the No.

5 was first produced in significant numbers in 1895. One with serial number 31785 is shown at with a stated date of 1899. My serial number is much lower placing it clearly in the 19th century and making it my oldest typewriter! An 1896 production date for mine is confirmed from the book Robert Blickensderfer and Paul Robert, The Five Pound Secretary, An Illustrated Hitory of the Blickensderfer Typewriter (The Virtual Typewriter Museum 2003), page 115 (Appendix B, Table 3).

5's were produced than any other Blickensderfer model. 5 was produced from 1893 to 1913. The Blickensderfer is significant in many ways. It has a much like the IBM Selectric that came out in 1961. It rotates to the correct character when a key is pressed. This allows it to have many fewer parts than traditional type bar typewriters and allows it to be small, light and portable.

Think of it as a 19th century Selectric or even a 19th century laptop! Indeed, an electric Blickensderfer was introduced in 1901.

Woodstock Typewriter Serial Number Location

Unfortunately, it was 60 years ahead of its time and never sold well. The Blickensderfer was advertised as the 'five pound secretary' and as 'light, durable and efficient.' Its efficiency may relate to its rejection of the QWERTY keyboard which was designed in part to be somewhat inefficient to prevent key jams.

The Blickensderfer design instead allowed for a more efficient 'scientific' keyboard designed for faster typing. The QWERTY keyboard was offered as an option, however. 5 was competitively priced at $40, being less than half the price of many other typewriters at the time. Still $40 was a lot of money.

The only goes back to 1913. $40 in 1913 is equal to $884 in 2008 dollars. 5 comes in the in good condition. The handle, which I believe was leather, is missing. There is also leather around the bottom of my box with a large sheet of leather that appeared to have covered the bottom perhaps with a flap. My guess is this was a to keep papers and supplies in.

This is one of my most significant typewriters and a joy to have. It is in good cosmetic condition. I'm learning how to use it now. Most of the keys work, but some may have problems. I'll update this later. I bought it for $300 with a Hammond Multiplex, an Oliver No. 5 and a Corona No.

3 on July 22, 2008 in Fletcher Hills (El Cajon), CA. I had met the sellers about two months earlier at a garage sale. The Hammond had been purchased by the husband and the others had belonged to the wife's father. I think they gave me an excellent price knowing that the typewriters would be displayed here.

This is truly a wonderful and historic machine. Enjoy!Blickensderfer No. 7 (1904) The Blickensderfer Model 7 was the second Blickensderfer model produced in any significant numbers. The Aluminum No.

6 was designed before the No. 7, but manufacturing with cast Aluminum was new and production of the No.

6 was delayed until 1901. 7 was made from 1897 until 1916 according to the book Robert Blickensderfer and Paul Robert, The Five Pound Secretary, An Illustrated History of the Blickensderfer Typewriter (The Virtual Typewriter Museum 2003), page 114 (Appendix B, Table 1).

The serial number table on the following page of that book gives my No. 7 a manufacturing date of 1904. 7 was a more deluxe model than the No. 5 with the No. 7 having a space bar that wrapped around the keyboard, a much improved paper scale, black knobs on both sides of the platen, adjustable right and left margin stops, a release tab, an oak base to which the machine was mounted and a.

See The Five Pound Secretary, pgs 46-47. The basic mechanics, including the, were similar to the No. The was black, although on mine some of the black has been removed showing a brass colored base. Perhaps someone though it was tarnished and tried to clean it. I purchased my No. 7 within a week of purchasing my No. I purchased the No.

7 at a garage sale advertised on Craigslist in the San Carlos area of San Diego (near Mission Trails Park Visitor's Center) for $90. I was very fortunate to get two Blickensderfers locally within one week, especially since I had never touched one prior to then!

It is in good condition although some keys do not move. 5, I am still trying to figure it out. The is in reasonably good condition with some laminate coming off. The Blickensderfer name is clearly visible on the case. According to The Five Pound Secretary pgs 46-47, some No.

7s had the name on the case and some did not. The base is in generally good condition although it looks as if it is missing a piece on the bottom front.A inside the case identifies Geo. Bornemann & Co.

as the Pacific Coast General Agent for Blickensderfer with a picture of a Blickensderfer No. 5 on the left side with the price of $40.

My guess is that a picture of the Blickensderfer No. 7 with the its price of $50 was on the right side. An address of 117 Sutter St., San Francisco is given. Page 25 of the February 1903 'Pacific States Telephone and Telegraph Company' directory for San Francisco has a listing for 'James 141. Bornemann, Geo.

Blickensderfer Typewriter, 117 Sutter.' (.) There is also an 1898 listing at a different San Francisco address: 'Clay 996. Bornemann, Geo. Coast Gen'l Agts. Blickersderfer Typewriter, 19 Monty.'

(.) The referenced also has a long ad by Geo. Bornemann & Co. In the listing a third address.