Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic circular metal typewriter ribbon tin featuring a striking red, black, and gold Art Deco geometric design. This tin once housed a 1/2-inch dual-color 'Blue & Red Record' typewriter ribbon, essential for early 20th-century office correspondence.
Story
In 1927, typewriter giant Underwood merged with Elliott-Fisher, creating an office empire. This tin represents the golden age of mechanical typing, when even the smallest accessory was treated to beautiful, high-style graphic design.
Maker / Origin
The Underwood Typewriter Company, founded in 1895, revolutionized writing with the first truly successful front-striking typewriter. Following their 1927 merger with Elliott-Fisher, they dominated the global office landscape, making their branded accessories highly recognizable symbols of modern business efficiency.
Condition & Value
The tin shows moderate surface wear, including light scratching, minor paint loss along the edges, and some oxidation on the underside. The lithographed graphics on the lid remain bright and highly legible. This honest wear is typical for utilitarian office items of this age.
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.