The Underwood secret number mystery

Robert G recently blogged about the "secret" numbers you can find stamped under the left front foot on many Underwoods. I pointed out that there's also a mysterious number under the angular nickeled piece that covers the right end of the carriage.

Now Robert has started to collect data on these numbers. The two hidden numbers match in every case so far (though sometimes the initial digit is omitted on the foot). But how do they relate to the machine's serial number? 

Here are some examples from two machines currently in my possession, both made in January 1925 according to the Database.

For some reason, the machine with the higher serial number has lower hidden numbers.

Want to contribute to Robert's research? Inspect your Underwoods and write to him at robertg@planet.nl.

International typewriter no. 1 sold at auction

Well, here's a fat, ugly, rusty thing.

But if you are an antique typewriter collector, your heart skipped a beat at the sight of it. This is an 1891 International no. 1, and it is rare, rare, rare. In 30 years of typewriter collecting, I have never seen one turn up for sale before.

This one was sold at auction on November 26 in Indianapolis—within easy driving distance for me—but I soon saw that I wasn't going to be able to afford a competitive bid on it. 

A ca. 1893 International Typewriter trade catalogue features "The Typewriter Edison," Lucien S. Crandall—more famous for inventing the two-row, curved-keyboard, type cylinder-sporting Crandall typewriter.

Back when it was new, this was a fat, ugly, and shiny thing, with flowers.

The company offered "The Little Beauty Cabinet" to house the no. 1.

But Crandall seems to have been prouder of the model 2, with a progressive double keyboard. The catalogue describes it as "the handsomest typewriter in the world." 

The no. 2, though also extremely rare and desirable, may be a little more common than the no. 1. At least I have seen a couple of them come up for sale in my day. Here's an example.

But how much did the fat, ugly, rusty thing sell for, you ask? 

A cool $17,500 (including a 25% auctioneer's fee). 

The Slow Communication Movement

I was surprised and honored to receive this card in an envelope from Canada.

Of course, the movement of slow communication precedes the Slow Communication Movement and my Manifesto. If we keep it slow enough, it will outlast and outwit the most artificial Artificial Intelligence that can be devised. But if, in due time, you'd like to write a letter to Mark Leier and request your own membership card, you can look him up at the Department of History at Simon Fraser University. My own letter of thanks is currently wending its way there.

Late-semester jitters and typewritten balm

At the request of Michael, a philosophy major, Free Thoughts sprang back into action yesterday afternoon. We set up the typewriters indoors (it was cloudy and chilly outside) and waited in the lull between classes.

It wasn't long before some students started to drop by—just enough to keep us thinking. At this time when most leaves have dropped from the trees and the semester's grades are coalescing, many students seemed anxious. Some of them are nervous about passing tough chemistry or biology classes. Others are facing challenges in love, or are wondering what will become of them after graduation. They all appreciated our listening and our reflections.

Another philosophy student, Junie, found us and wanted to give Free Thoughts a try. Junie had never used a typewriter before, but proved to be a natural.

The glorious clatter of typebars rang out in Alter Hall.

 Here are some thoughts I typed:

This one brought tears, and afterwards Liz sent several friends our way:

Free Thoughts has become a small, improvised tradition at Xavier. Those who participate either as typists or as muses often tell me that it means a lot; they remember these moments of genuine connection, and treasure the typewritten mementos. 

Try it where you live or work!

Typewriters = privacy

 

Note from an educational institution under siege

 

People are wondering ...

Well, this is interesting.

My recent post about what AI can't generate (namely, typewritten text) has quickly accumulated 19,000 views, almost matching my most popular post (on typewriters' Achilles' heels, posted in 2015).

This suggests that a lot of people out there are wondering: is there anything AI can't handle? And maybe their research will lead them down the rabbit hole of you know what.