Underwood 18

Feature Details: Production Era Mid-1960s (c. 1963–1966)
Design Highlights: Compact travel typewriter, auto ribbon reverse, line-space selectors, margin stops
Colours: Grey (most common), also black/silver variants
Notable Users: Popular among students, journalists, and travelers
Model Variants: Based on the Italian Antares/Olivetti design, rebranded by Underwood

Model & Maker
The Underwood 18 was a portable manual typewriter produced in the mid-1960s, manufactured in Italy and rebranded by Underwood. It was derived from the Antares design (linked with Olivetti), making it sleek, lightweight, and suited for travel use.

Design Evolution
Featuring a matte grey metal body, the Underwood 18 came with a ribbon-color selector, auto ribbon reverse, adjustable margin stops, and line-space selectors (0, 1, 2). It also included unique keys such as a fraction (¾) and an exclamation mark positioned in lowercase,
reflecting thoughtful design for versatility.

Cultural & Literary Significance
Favoured by students, journalists, and frequent travelers, the Underwood 18 embodied the mid-century shift toward compact, portable machines. While not as refined as earlier Antares predecessors, its practicality made it a reliable choice for everyday writing.

Model Varieties & Collectability
Primarily produced in grey, the Underwood 18 was also released in alternative finishes like black and silver. Today, it is collected for its minimalist design, portability, and connection to Underwood’s mid-century evolution under Italian influence.

Catalogue:
The Underwood 18 (1963–1966) was a portable manual typewriter manufactured in Italy and rebranded by Underwood. Designed as a lightweight travel model, it featured a matte grey metal body, ribbon-colour selector, auto ribbon reverse, adjustable margins, and line-space options. Popular among students, journalists, and travellers, it offered practicality and durability. Produced mainly in grey, with some black/silver variants, the Underwood 18 remains collectible today for its minimalist design and mid-century Italian influence.

• Condition: Working
• year: Mid-1960s

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