I just picked up this typewriter today.  Patent dates range from 1909 to 1924.  I can't find a model number on it. 

When I was a kid, our household typewriter was a slightly later extra-wide model Underwood that I think came from an army surplus store.  This one I got today is even more primitive and although I thought I knew my way around typewriters, this one has levers and settings I'm not familiar with.

I'm looking for information from anyone who might know about how to operate this thing.  For starters, it has no ribbon or spools.  I imagine finding spools could be a challenge.  Also, the tabulator doesn't work.  It appears that settings for tabs are on the back of the machine, but the numbering system is weird and no matter where I set them, there's no tab action except when I use the lever at top right rather than the tab key, and even then it doesn't stop at any of the set points.

I've attached some pictures (that I took right-side-up with my phone).  As gummed up as it may look, the keys and the space bar work.  TIA for any suggestions for resources with information.

Thanks Pete, I just located the serial number:  2100932-5.

From what I've found on line thus far, I think this could be a No. 5E, although I'm skeptical about it having auto-reversing ribbon spools, and I don't know if they were still using the "E" designation by 1924.

I've already lost one tiny screw that holds one of the tab setting markers in place.  It was bent and I took it off to straighten it, and the marker and screw dropped as I was trying to re-fasten it.  I think the screw may be stuck to a layer of dirt and oil somewhere because I only heard the marker drop onto the granite countertop.

Pete, why would there be patent dates on my machine starting with 1909 and running up to August of 1924 (if you zoom in on picture #3 you can kind of make out the dates)?  I just assumed that the latest patent date would be the one that indicated approximate year of manufacture, but the info on one site seems to be all over the map with serial numbers and associated years of manufacture.  The pattern of the gold pin striping on mine appears to be different from the 1908 models as well.

I'll keep researching on line to try and get some insight into the serial numbers, which don't seem to be very serial. 

I need all new feet on my machine too.  One of them crumbled while I had the machine tipped up to get a look underneath.  If only California Typewriter was still in business up in Berkeley.  Los Angeles may be the nearest metro area left with a typewriter repair shop at this point.  I was thinking a place like Grainger  might have something that could be used for replacement feet.  The only thing to figure out is how to make sure the round screw head can be sunken into the bottom surface.  I'm mulling over a couple of ideas.

My mom had an old Underwood typewriter a lot like that in the unfinished second floor of the house we lived in until I was 11. I remember playing around with it but I was too young to know what I was doing. Later in high school I took a typing class, which I really loved. It's been all downhill from there.

Thanks to all for the replies, links, and excellent information!  Judging from the eBay listings, I did OK by paying $20 for my machine (which I found in the Nextdoor for sale/free listings), even though it's not in the best cosmetic shape. 

In my 9th grade typing class we had mostly Underwoods, but they were likely '60s vintage, ugly gray machines that I didn't care for.  There were a handful of Remingtons that I preferred.  They were more solid and quieter, and I found the touch on those very suitable.  Oddly, I like the touch and key travel on this No. 5.

Pete, thanks for the correction.  1926 it is!  First order of business will be to order four new feet and a ribbon with correct spools so I can check performance and see what might need attention.  This typewriter will jog my memory of the big Underwood that lived behind a door with false drawer facade on the hidden, space-saving spring loaded return of my dad's vintage desk.

Pete, it currently has no spools.  I'm going to order the right ones from Phoenix instead of the "universal" types on Amazon.