It is therefore very common to encounter these machines with just one finial (where there is one original spool and one newer one), or possibly both finials missing.
![facit typewriter typeface facit typewriter typeface](https://www.typewriters101.com/uploads/1/7/6/6/17660651/s766280042808218667_p43_i10_w2560.jpeg)
As soon as a replacement ribbon on a new spool was fitted, the finial would fall out and get lost. The size of the hole in the spool was increased slightly by the manufacturers with the result that the finial was no longer a tight fit. However, within a few years, a problem became apparent. The spools were exposed on the top of the machine, and each spool had a tiny decorative chromed 'finial' which was a friction fit in the centre hole. The original Imperial Good Companion was introduced in 1932. These feet are particularly suitable for the earlier machines, but will substitute for the larger and more elaborate feet fitted to later models made into the 1940's, especially the Underwood Six. All done ! The photograph shows the reproduction feet at the back, with an original Underwood foot in the foreground. Not only are they the exact height and diameter to match the originals, you can actually fit them yourself without dismantling the machine ! Simply turn your Underwood upside down on a carpet, remove the old foot screws with a screwdriver, then screw the new feet (complete with integral screws) into the threaded holes by hand. I have had a batch of reproduction feet made which are an improvement on the originals. Spare feet have been unobtainable from the manufacturers since the 1950's, but now there is a solution ! A real nuisance - they can eventually make your machine unusable once they have crumbled away completely. With the earliest machines now being over 100 years old it is not a surprise that the rubber feet have often disintegrated, exposing the fixing screws which then scratch the desk. It remains one of the most common vintage typewriters thanks to its' amazing build quality. The Underwood Five and its brothers, the Three and Four, sold in vast numbers during the 1920's/1930's. The photograph shows the reproduction feet at the back, with an original damaged Adler foot in the foreground. However, since the front feet also act as spacebar buffers on the Corona, it would be necessary to trim the top of the 'cone' with a sharp knife to reduce the overall height. Simply turn your Adler Gabrielle upside down on your lap, pull or prise the old damaged feet away, then force the new feet into the holes in the machine's frame using a turning movement - like screwing in a lightbulb.Īmazingly, these feet also fit the 1920's/1930's Corona Four - another machine that suffers from corroding feet. Not only are they the exact height to allow the machine to sit correctly in the carry case and allow the lid to be closed, you can actually fit them yourself without dismantling the machine (impossible with the original feet). Spare feet have been unobtainable from the manufacturers for over thirty years, but now there is a solution ! The 1960's/1970's Adler Gabrielle is an excellent typewriter but they all have a common problem - disintegrating rubber feet ! A real nuisance, they can eventually make your machine unusable once they have crumbled away. However, you will have to cut a specially-shaped retaining washer and add a metric nut for each foot to hold them in place. Smith models originally fitted with round 'push in' feet. All done! The photograph shows the reproduction feet at the back, with an original damaged Continental foot and fixing screw in the foreground. Not only are they the exact height and diameter to match the originals, you can actually fit them yourself without dismantling the machine ! Simply turn your Continental upside down on a carpet, remove the old foot screws with a screwdriver, then screw the new feet (complete with integral screws) into the sockets by hand. Spare feet have been unobtainable from the manufacturers since the 1940's, but now there is a solution !
![facit typewriter typeface facit typewriter typeface](https://www.typewriters101.com/uploads/1/7/6/6/17660651/s766280042808218667_p17_i1_w1066.jpeg)
Unsurprisingly the rubber feet have often disintegrated, exposing the fixing screws which then scratch the desk. Very similar to the Underwood, but improved in so many ways, examples of this machine have survived in surprising numbers. The 1920's/1930's Continental Standard has quite a following, particularly in Germany where they were originally made.