Odell Typewriter Company, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
1889 - no serial number

The Odell 1 is a beautifully designed linear index typewriter. Model 1 was only made for the first year in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with ‘Patent Pending’ indicated on the nameplate and then the Odell was made in Chicago.

Model 1 has a lovely Native American Indian motive carved into the circular base, which is covered with gold paint.

To type one slides the little handle, that is pointing to the letter ‘F’, back and forth to the desired character (a bit like a trombone) then one pushes down on the handle to make contact with the platen underneath. There is a very nice 19th century illustration below that shows the Odell being used by a finely dressed lady.

This first model typed only in capitals.

The Odell typewriter originally sold for $15.00.

"The only practical low-priced machine."

"A Marvel of Beauty and Perfection."