Excellent! Serviced 1928 Royal P Model 1st Gen Portable Typewriter New Platen
$750.00
Sale price
$750.00
Regular price
$1,000.00
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Excellent! Serviced 1928 Royal P Model 1st Gen Portable Typewriter New Platen
$750.00
Sale price
$750.00
Regular price
$1,000.00
Brand
Royal
Type
Manual
Year
1928
Features
Portable, With Case
Country of Origin
United States
Vintage
Yes
A fully functional and serviced 1928 Royal Model P represents an important milestone in typewriter history as Royal’s first portable typewriter model. Introduced in 1926, the Royal Portable brought the company’s reputation for precision engineering and durable construction into a compact design, establishing the foundation for Royal’s highly successful line of portable writing machines.
Finished in glossy black, this machine has the bold, unmistakable appearance of a late-1920s mechanical instrument. The polished body, gold Royal lettering, exposed mechanical details, and distinctive raised ribbon covers create a striking design that reflects the craftsmanship and styling of the period. Its open construction and elegant proportions give the Model P a character all its own, bridging the visual language of full-size office machines with the emerging portable typewriter market.
One of its most distinctive features is the original-style glass-topped keys, set within bright metal surrounds. These glass keys provide a beautiful contrast against the black finish and are among the defining details of early Royal portables. The four-bank keyboard and carefully arranged mechanical components reflect Royal’s effort to deliver the functionality of a full-size typewriter in a more compact form.
This machine has been fitted with a new 3D-printed platen, along with new 3D-printed foot mounts and case mounts. These replacement components help address common age-related wear while retaining the machine’s classic appearance and mechanical character.
Fitted with a Pica typeface (prints 10 characters per inch), the Royal produces traditional, generously spaced lettering with the unmistakable look of classic typewritten correspondence.
A historic first-generation Royal portable combining a glossy black finish, glass-topped keys, distinctive period design, and updated 3D-printed components. The Model P stands as a significant chapter in Royal’s history and a compelling example of the engineering and design that helped make portable typewriters an enduring part of everyday writing.
Serviced by Adam Brooks of Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician with over seven years in the field and a trusted name among collectors and enthusiasts for quality restoration, precision service, and dependable workmanship. Servicing vintage typewriters involves a series of steps to restore it to optimal working condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Here’s a summary of what’s typically done:
Inspection: The process starts with a thorough check of all components—keys, typebars, carriage, platen, ribbon mechanism, and springs—to identify wear, damage, or stuck parts.
Cleaning: Decades of dust, ink, and grime are removed. A soft brush and compressed air clear out debris from the typebars and chassis. Keytops are wiped down, and the platen (rubber roller) is cleaned with a mild solvent to restore grip. Harsh chemicals are avoided to protect metal and rubber.
Lubrication: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.
Adjustments: Alignment is key. Typebars are adjusted to strike evenly, ensuring crisp impressions. The carriage tension is checked, and the escapement (which controls letter spacing) is fine-tuned.
Repairs: Worn or broken parts—like springs, screws, or rubber feet—are replaced. A brand new universal ink ribbon is installed, which is easily replaceable and widely available on most online platforms.
Testing: The typewriter is typed on extensively—every key, shift, spacebar, and return—to confirm smooth action, proper alignment, and consistent ink delivery. Any sluggishness (e.g., sticky keys) is addressed by revisiting problem areas.
Shipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible and shipped same or next business day. You are risking damage if you buy from a non experienced shipper! Check our reviews! Serial number is P96269. Please see photos for condition.