It's always interesting how some things are there, and we just can't see them. Not so much for lack of trying, but for lack of knowing. And lack of visibility.
Case in point, an Underwood 5 frame brought down to bare metal. I've had this machine for about two years, and have been on and off working on it for most of this year.
Stamped as serial number 475,051-5, I rescued this machine from the depths of hell (otherwise known as Spokane). It had a good bit of rust when I got it.
If we look at the now exposed left side frame, where the foot would go, we see it stamped as 541824. What does the difference in serial numbers mean? Does the one on the base take into account all machine frames ever produced, and the actual number takes out of consideration broken or unused frames?
You will also note that the frame is not one single piece. The front bar is a seperate bit, with pins and screws to hold it to the frame sides.
The two screws at the top were unexposed prior to glassbeading, and are as flush as can be with the frame... perfect for painting over.
And the back piece is, of course, also a separate bit that is in place due to screws and pins.
This Underwoods getting painted tomorrow, in Regal Red. With the mechanisms painted black and new decals on the way, this Underwood is getting the full revitalization treatment.
Very neat! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating. I can't wait to see your finished product in Regal Red.
ReplyDeleteI tried to find Maroon somewhere, but no luck. Regal Red is the darkest red I could find. Results are positive thus far
DeleteLooking forward to the rebirth.
ReplyDeleteThis should be fun to follow!
ReplyDeleteI've noted that extra serial number under the foot of Underwoods before, but have no idea what it signifies.
I checked the database, and found evidence supporting my thoughts. If you tally the total frames made by Underwood by 1912 and 1913, you get a Total Frame range of 523,554 to 648,104. That this machine falls in that range at 541,824 leads me to the conclusion that the foot-stamped number is indeed frame number out of all frames, and actual serial number is for machine model. It makes sense to me that they would do it this way.
DeleteCould the two serial numbers refer to a factory refurbishment?
ReplyDeleteThat's definitely a possibility, and higher on the scale of probabilities than other theories I've thought of. Though I could find no evidence of a refurbishing job, I do understand that they tended to do a thoroughly complete job back in ye-olden days. I'm curious, if true, why they would add a completely new serial number to a machine to indicate refurbishment rather than just update their records or something.
DeletePost-note: Evidence supports the idea that the bottom number represents total frame production, and top number references model number.
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