Does anyone know how a typewriter bell rings?

Question

I'm restoring a 1920's Underwood typewriter, and thankfully all of the parts work fantastically for the condition I found it in. The only part that fails to work properly is the bell. It just doesn't ding. Does anyone know what would trigger the bell to ring on a typewriter that old? Please be specific, and if you had a picture that'd be great too.

Answer 1

If I remember it right, it is a spring on the clapper that is moved by a small lever on the carriage. This needs to be free to move, it is actuated by setting the end tab on the machine and is tripped 5 characters before the end of the line. If yours is not working, be certain the end tab is set and it is tripping the clapper.  

Answer 2

From memory of having typed on an Underwood of that era, about 25 years ago, I thought there was something associated with the roller that caused the bell to ring. The roller moved over, and with that extra key stroke, it dinged.

So, if it's not working, is it the bell, or is it the little thing that hit the bell?

http://www.geocities.com/wbd641/Underwoo...

http://www.antiquetypewriters.com/collec...

http://staff.xu.edu/~polt/typewriters/un...

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End tab is exactly right. It may not be set right, or it may be broken.

That spring in there, may be gone, as well.