The Odell is an early index machine, originally built with a square base, but was quickly changed to a circular base as early as its first model. Like many of the index typewriters, the Odell was designed to be an easy to use and inexpensive machine. It was advertised as "Simplicity with durability, speed, and ease of operation and wears longer without cost of repairs." See our blog for a history of this machine and its creator under "Odell and His Typewriter".