The patent information printed on the back of these Underwood machines makes it easy to determine the age and model...

...especially if it takes you a while before finding the serial number tag (right side of the frame, just above the ribbon selector lever from the front, or the ribbon-winding gear from the angle pictured here).

From out the treasure chest that is the Little Free Libraries here in DC comes a surprisingly powerful read. I picked this sorry volume up after noticing its nakedness and disrepair, only to carry it around in the same state for weeks while poring over its pages. Finally, as I swept through the final chapter, I was overcome by the desire to return it to the wild in a better condition than I found it, and I hope whoever finds this volume next will consider my efforts a success to that end.

Japanese kozo hinge and spine liner added

Boards cut