Hey, thanks for the help and encouragement on this project.
More research and study has indicated that this machine has been factory refurbished at some point.
While I'm not certain exactly what that all would have entailed it is obvious that the key tops, exterior paint and decals are new/updated.
There seems to be a consensus building that the knobs in question are threaded on to their respective shafts however, what I see so far is that the flat profile of the shaft or operating bar would have to be crimped into a round or at least 'round-ish' shape on the end to be threaded for the knobs.
With the ( I think it's called the inner console ) still in the machine, it is pretty much impossible for me to determine with any kind of accuracy.
It's raining here again so I may have some time this week to remove the inner unit from the body and see what is what.
I'll keep you all informed.

HABD!!  

Uwe, the first tentative pull with my fingers made me think that they might thread on as you say but, it seems the control rods/bars are flat all the way to the knobs and so do not thread into them.
Years ago I worked in the shop that made the Vari-graph lettering machine.
We used a great many horology tools during the assembly process and one common tool was the 'removal tool'
that was clamped on to what ever shaft, rod or bar and incorporated a forked 'pry bar' that worked against itself to pull off what ever was needed without damage to the part, shaft or machine.
I don't have access to those tools any more so before I go searching the internet for that kind of thing or resort to making them in my own shop, I am asking the forum if there is another way.
What I didn't mention in the thread starter is that there seems to be some slight damage to the bracket that holds the left side of the spool cover in place and also holds the left spool shaft upright.
It seems that the entire type basket, key board, spool drive and related parts may all come out of the body as one unit via two levers on outside of either spool mount.
This would preclude having to remove the faceplate but, there must be more that has to be removed to get the assembly out.
If I can find the right technical resource I should be able to determine  what needs to be done to remove the assembly or just examine it in place.

Schyllerwade, I would sure like to see a Kolibri  in person myself but, they are not commonly found around my location. And besides, I can always resort to the pen and note book if just the right compact typewriter doesn't show up.
As for writing outside and in public, I agree with the distraction of the 'body public' but, I'm willing to try it any way. We live out in the country and our small farm overlooks the Rush Lake marsh system that is probably 10,000 acres or more. Further to the North the valley opens up to a view that goes on for 30+ miles and offers a great deal of inspiration for writing.
To sit on the front lawn under our enormous maple tree, gazing off to the North valley is like being in an incredible yet simple cathedral and I really am inspired when I write there. 

Schyllerwade, I made a mistake on the Olympia.
It is the model 'SF', not whatever I called it in my previous post.

There is a forum member here by the name of Joe Van Cleave, if you look up his u tube channel he does a video review of one of these machines that he has recently acquired.
You know, I have several machines that are in the portable category but only my Remington Model 2 is truly small enough to be easily taken and used anywhere.
The only problem with doing this with this machine is that it is getting on to 100 years old and I don't want it getting damaged from dragging it around the country side.
I used to have a low end Royal that it didn't bother me if it would get sand in it but, not to long ago I gave it to an aspiring young writer at church.
That would be the problem with that little three bank Underwood you have. If I had one I wouldn't want it to ever go out side where it might get dirty.
Something suitable will turn up one of these days.

Schyllerwade, you're welcome.
I stopped at a large antique mall yesterday to check on the availability of the Olympia (FN ?) ultra portable that I had seen there two weeks ago and I did also keep my eye out for an Underwood just like the one you have.
I think there was one of those there a year or two ago but I passed it up at that time because I was looking for something a little more familiar and a bit less than the $280. price tag.
I did not see anything like it yesterday but there are certain booths there that have the good stuff like that quite often.
The Olympia turned out to be in need of a bit of work and my older son strongly discouraged me from it so we left it there.
However my younger son brought home a 50s era Remington Rand desk model for a whopping $12.
A pretty nice machine over all and although it needs a good cleaning and  a little touch up paint here and there, it types really well.
It has a 14" platen and the tiny 12 P type face that I think is odd to find on an office model but, I'm sure there was a reason for it at one time or another.
Anyway, he is pretty happy with it. He says that now that he has two Remington desk machines he can use them as book ends on his desk.
I'm going to encourage him to keep one of them on his dresser because it seems the only place his room stays clean, is where his typewriter is.........