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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 1
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 2
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 3
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 4
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 5
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 6
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 7
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 8
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 9
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 10
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 11
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  • Imperial "The Good Companion" Model T Portable Typewriter, 1940s, with case, FWO 12
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Description

There are plenty of excellent US-made Royals and Coronas around but the English-made Imperial typewriters, though easily comparable to their American rivals in terms of quality, never sold in such large numbers and as such are harder to find.

The company was established in Leicester in 1911 by Hidalgo Moya, who was of joint American-Spanish nationality and more than a little eccentric: the Imperial Models A and B, the first typewriters he designed and manufactured in Britain, are distinctly odd-looking machines, but by the 1920s he was drawing obvious influences from Royal - the Model 50 even had glass windows in the sides, like the famous Royal Model 10, and from 1966 when the company was acquired by Litton Industries it specialised in producing Royal models from parts shipped across the Atlantic, and continued to do so up until the mid-1970s when, following strike action over unfair lower bonuses paid to Asian employees, the company closed.

This example bears the serial number 2FL.298, suggesting that it was made shortly after the Second World War - as is also borne out by the position of the serial number inside the machine under the left ribbon spool, rather than next to the "Made in Leicester, England" lettering on the front below the keys. It's the type with the rugged, matte black finish, and proudly bears the Royal Warrant of King George VI, the Model T's most famous user. All other brands and lettering remains in good order, without wear or significant fading.

It's in full working order, but does have a few faults. Most notably, the cork platen has hardened with age (cork was commonly used immediately after the War when rubber supplies were scarce) which means it doesn't grip paper quite as well as it should - however, this does not render it unusable. The typebars and keys work, though the O typebar does't always return fully into its at-rest position as depicted in the 10th photo; it's not bent and will in all likelihood work properly with the application of a little lubricant. All other keys and controls work well, and the hinged cover over the spools is firmly attached and opens and closes smoothly. All four rubber feet are in place.

The matte finish might not be the prettiest Imperial ever offered, but it certainly achieved its purpose and has withstood the ravages of time well - there are no scratches or scuffs so that the frame is free of rust. Round the back, where there is exposed metal, there is some minor patination as would be expected. The bell is working, and as a sidenote this model has an especially pleasing "ding"!

The case is a little battered and discoloured but is solid and still has its four metal feet, and one of the knurled nuts which affix the typewriter to case base is missing. The leather handle is firmly attached and shows no indication of rot, though the brackets attached to the case are rusty. The catch works, but the key is missing (please note that the 12th photo is a composite showing the case from all angles; one case is supplied). A ribbon is included, but is rather old and will need to be replaced.

Typewriter Dimensions (W x L x H): 31 x 30 x 10.5cm (12 x 12 x 4.5")
Case Dimensions (W x L x H): 33 x 33 x 12cm (13 x 13 x 4.75")
Weight (Typewriter and case): 6.7kg (14.8lb)

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.

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.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

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 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.

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.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Retail Hub Sawston Map
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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.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its 'Outstanding' services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

More than 4,100 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients' own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £8.56 million in 2020/2021 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. £4.29 million has currently been secured from the NHS, meaning that £4.27 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.