Nice! Serviced 1930 Royal P Model Red Woodgrain Elite Typewriter New Platen
$650.00
Sale price
$650.00
Regular price
$1,000.00
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Nice! Serviced 1930 Royal P Model Red Woodgrain Elite Typewriter New Platen
Brand
Royal
Type
Manual
Year
1930
Features
Portable, With Case
Country of Origin
United States
Vintage
Yes
A fully functional and serviced 1930 Royal Model P combines the historic significance of Royal’s first portable typewriter with a striking red woodgrain finish that sets it apart from conventional examples. Introduced in 1926, the Royal Portable brought the company’s reputation for precision engineering into a compact design, helping establish Royal as a leading name in the emerging portable typewriter market.
This machine features a beautiful glossy red woodgrain finish, with rich reddish-brown tones and a polished surface that gives the body the appearance of finely finished wood. The distinctive finish complements the machine’s exposed mechanical details, chrome accents, and classic round glass-topped keys. Its bold color and reflective surface create a memorable presentation, making this Model P particularly eye-catching among early Royal portables.
The Royal Model P represents an important milestone in typewriter history. Its innovative portable design brought practical typing capability into a smaller format without abandoning the substantial mechanical construction associated with Royal. The four-bank keyboard, distinctive ribbon-spool covers, and carefully arranged mechanisms give the machine an unmistakable late-1920s character.
This machine has been fitted with a new rubber platen and new 3D-printed foot mounts. The replacement platen is an important functional upgrade, helping provide more consistent print impressions, improved paper-feeding grip, and smoother paper movement through the machine. Fresh platen rubber also helps cushion the impact of the typebars, reducing the harshness of typing sounds compared with hardened, aged rubber. Together, these benefits contribute to a more satisfying typing experience while preserving the Royal’s classic mechanical character.
Fitted with an Elite typeface (prints 12 characters per inch), the machine produces compact, neatly spaced lettering with a clean, refined appearance. The narrower character spacing makes efficient use of the page while retaining the unmistakable character of traditional typewritten text.
A distinctive early Royal portable combining historic significance, a glossy red woodgrain finish, classic glass-topped keys, Elite lettering, and updated replacement components. With its unusual finish and place in Royal’s early portable history, this 1930 Model P is a standout addition to a vintage typewriter collection.
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 P186293. Please see photos for condition.