SOLD - 1927 Royal Model P Vintage Typewriter 1st Generation, working, original case

1927 Royal Model P Vintage Typewriter 1st Generation, working, original case

Description

Introduced in 1926, Royal's Model P portable typewriter had a long gestation period dating right back to 1921 when the New York company, aware that they needed something special if they were going to compete with rivals Smith-Corona's hugely successful Folding model, submitted a 20-page patent application. They then went back to the labs and started tinkering, taking five whole years to perfect their new machine.

Unfortunately, by the time the Model P was actually available, pretty much everyone who needed or wanted a portable typewriter already had a Corona Folding, but Royal's efforts paid off - sales were not quite as high as they must have hoped, but once word got round that it offered similar quality to their legendary Model 10 desktop machine (known as "the Cadillac of typewriters") they sold well enough and around 260,000 produced before the model was redesigned and renamed the Model O in 1930.

This example is a first generation model with exposed tape loops. Inspection of the symbols underneath the tape loops (a simple arrow, rather than the words "ribbon feed") and the position of the feet prove it to have been made in 1927 - a fairly early one, prior to the second generation redesign with covered tape loops, serial number P90739. Royal's first successful portable typewriter, it was lightweight (or what was considered lightweight in those times at any rate, it's certainly a good bit heavier than a modern laptop) with tough ruggedness - the all-steel construction meant it was a machine that could take a few knocks. Nevertheless, after almost a century, an unrestored example in full working order such as this one is a rare find.

There are no loose keys and all work perfectly, as does the carriage return and other functions. The metal frame and enamelled panels are solid and in excellent condition, with only minor patina on the exposed metal parts. The paintwork is in excellent condition overall, though there are few flaky patches here and there as depicted in the photos. The gold logos are clean and still bright, and the bakelite parts are in good shape without cracks.

The leatherette-covered hardboard case is rather battered but is still faithfully performing its task. All the metal parts are present and the catch is still working; however, the leather handgrip has long since decayed and broken.

All in all, this is a beautiful machine which can be admired just as it is or could be treated to a full restoration to make is a real museum piece.

• Typewriter Dimensions (W x D x H): 33 x 28 x 12cm (13 x 11 x 4.75")
• Case Dimensions (W x D x H): 33 x 30 x 14.5cm (13 x 12 x 5.75")

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

Further Details & Enquiries

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people in Cambridgeshire living with a life-limiting illness and those who need end-of-life care. Our services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

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Payment

We only accept payments via PayPal for items sold through eBay, or cash and credit/debit card if the item is to be collected. If paying via PayPal, please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within three working days.

Delivery

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within three working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Collection

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Returns

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items.

This one got away