Where serial numbers hide
Look under the carriage (move it fully left or right), on the frame beneath the ribbon cover, on the back panel, or stamped into the base. Portables often hide it under the right side of the carriage.
Reading the number
Serial numbers are indexed by manufacturer and year in the Typewriter Database and other references. A number tells you the year of production and sometimes the factory.
Model names and variants
The same body was often sold under several names or with regional badging. Decals, keyboard layout, and typeface all help narrow down the variant.
Why it matters
Correct identification tells you which ribbon spools, platens, and parts fit, whether the machine is unusual, and what a fair value is.
Photographing for identification
Send us a clear photo of the whole machine, the keyboard, any decals, and the serial number, and we can usually identify it quickly.
Identification is the first step of every appraisal we do, and we are glad to help you learn what your machine is before deciding on any work. Related service: Key and Typebar Alignment.