The Odell 1 typewriter is a beautifully designed linear index machine. Model 1 was produced only during its first year in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and features “Patent Pending” on the nameplate. Production then moved to Chicago.
The Odell 1 has an intricately carved motif on its circular, gold-painted base. This gold paint is often retouched by collectors, sometimes appearing too bright, but on this example, the paint is in original condition.
To type, the small handle on top is grasped with three fingers and slid back and forth like a trombone to select a character. The pointer at the front of the handle is then pressed down into the alignment ‘comb’ to print. The carriage moves perpendicular to the handle’s sliding motion. This first model types only in uppercase.
Shown below is a charming 19th-century illustration of a finely dressed lady using an Odell 1. The reverse side of the trade card is also shown.
“The only practical low-priced machine. A Marvel of Beauty and Perfection.”
(The Lake Geneva pamphlet and bill of sale are courtesy of The Peter Weil Typewriter Archive)
