Typewriter used by Orson Welles

Typewriter used by Orson Welles in the 1930s and 1940s. The Underwood 4-bank portable typewriter is housed in a leather case with handle that bears the inscription "ORSON WELLES / HOTEL DE LA / TREMOILLE / PARIS 8 FRANCE". The theater, radio, and film writer, director, and actor used the typewriter throughout the 1930s and 40s, perhaps including work on the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast and other works of the Mercury Theatre, 1941 film Citizen Kane, and 1946 film The Lady from Shanghai.

The typewriter has four rows of round glass keys, a decorative wood grain finish on case surfaces, and a nickel-plated shift lock lever. The paper table bears a label that reads, ''Standard Four Bank Keyboard'' in gilt lettering beneath the printed ''Underwood'' brand name. Underwood sold 1.2 million of this model typewriter between 1926 and 1947 when production ceased.

Currently not on view (lid)

Currently not on view