Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic circular metal typewriter ribbon tin featuring striking Art Deco graphics in green, gold, and black. The lid showcases the 'Ellwood' brand name alongside a detailed illustration of an early manual typewriter, while the underside retains its original product specifications for a 1/2-inch 'Black Record' ribbon.
Story
Before digital clouds, the world's secrets were hammered onto paper through inked fabric. This tin held the lifeblood of 1930s offices, keeping a fresh ribbon moist and ready for the next great American novel or corporate ledger.
Maker / Origin
The Underwood Typewriter Company, founded in 1895, revolutionized writing with the first truly successful 'visible writing' typewriter. In 1927, they merged with Elliott-Fisher to form a manufacturing powerhouse, producing not only legendary machines but also the high-quality branded accessories needed to keep them running.
Condition & Value
The tin shows moderate wear consistent with age and use, including minor paint loss, scratching, and oxidation/rusting along the gold-toned rims. The lithographed graphics on both the lid and base remain highly legible and bright. This honest wear does not significantly detract from its display value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.