This Royal Royalite typewriter is classified as an ultra-portable typewriter. Its compact, lightweight (for a typewriter) size made it perfect for travel and generally moving it around. I like to think of it as the original laptop!
In advertisements, when touting its petite size Royal claimed: "Even a dachshund could straddle the new Royalite. It's only 3 inches high and weighs a mere 8 pounds."
Ah, to be an Ad Man in the 1950s.
This particular Royalite dates to 1957 and has a green painted finish. It comes with its original leatherette case.
In theory, this typewriter does work, however, it is very finicky. If something works one minute, it might not be the next! I would recommend this typewriter to be for decoration only!
Features
* Body: Metal with smooth paint finish
* Keyboard: English QWERTY
* Typeface: PICA SHARP (10 characters per inch)
* Line Spacing: Zero, Single, 1.5, and Double
* Tension: No variable tension
* Ribbon: Universal ribbon size
* Ink Selector: No ink color selector!
* CAPS LOCK SO YOU CAN YELL AT PEOPLE
* Margin stops with Margin Release
* Carriage lock to prevent the carriage from moving while the typewriter is being moved around
* Groove in positioning scale so you can easily draw vertical and horizontal lines
* Bell to let you know you're at the end of a line
* Case: Leatherette carrying case
* Documentation: None
A couple of features it does NOT have are:
* No ability to change ink color (can only use single-color ribbon or you need to flip dual color ribbon upside down)
* No "1" or "!" keys, which was common of typewriters of the time. Use a lowercase L and apostrophe over a period, respectively.
* No Tabulator functionality
The typewriter measures:
12" wide
11.5" deep
3" tall
The case measures:
13" tall
13" wide
3.5" deep
The serial number on this unit is RL-3557776. This particular typewriter dates to 1957. It was made in Holland (Netherlands).
CONDITION
Cosmetically, the typewriter and case are in good condition. Mechanically, the typewriter is in fair condition and very finicky. I would recommend it for decorative use only!
Maintenance performed:
* Cleaned the interior and exterior of the typewriter
* Basic functionality and typing tests
Cosmetic condition:
* The keycap to the right Shift key is missing. When I received the typewriter, a number of the keycaps had popped off. I will do my best to keep them attached during shipping, but be aware there is a possibility they could fall off in transit. All you need to do it pop it back on if this does happen.
* The typewriter has some small nicks and blemishes in the painted exterior. There are some chips in the paint which reveal the metal below.
* Minimal rusting - there are a couple of small rust spots where paint has chipped away from the metal.
* One of the screws that connects the bottom plate to the top body cover is missing.
* The case has minor wear on the leatherette exterior. Zippers on the case are still in good condition with no tears or issues.
* There are some minor tears in the fabric inside the case.
* There is NO obvious odor from the machine or the case.
Mechanical condition:
* The carriage mechanism is very delicate. If you look at the typewriter the wrong way, it will stop working. It needs to be on a completely flat surface or things seem to get off kilter. When this happens, the carriage can jam or start to make a lot of noise when you use the carriage lever to move it back to the starting position for a new line.
* The keys move well, however, you need to type with a pretty heavy hand / force in order for the hammers to make contact with the paper. It's pretty inconsistent, so sometimes you will type and nothing will show up on the page. Sometimes you type with the same letter and it will show up.
* The bell is inconsistent about ringing when you get to the end of the line.
RIBBON
This typewriter uses the 2" diameter ribbon spool. This is the Universal Ribbon size.
I typically ship via USPS, but due to the weight and size of this item, I may ship with FedEx or UPS.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 3 - 5 business days
- Europe : 5 - 10 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
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For the purposes of EU data protection law, I, Nicole Kendrot, am the data controller of your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at tinselandtime@gmail.com.
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What happens if I refuse or fail to collect my package?
If a package is "Returned to Sender", meaning:
* Package was not picked up and the postal service sends it back after the pick-up window ends
* Package was refused by purchaser, including, but not limited to, situations where purchaser does not want to pay additional taxes or duties owed
I will provide a refund MINUS the original shipping fees and a restocking fee of 10% of the purchase price, once the item has been returned to me and is in undamaged condition.
If a purchaser refuses delivery of a package or fails to collect it, I reserve the right to not sell to them in the future.
What happens if my package is lost, stolen, or missing?
The Etsy shipping confirmation email contains the package tracking number. The buyer assumes responsibility for tracking the package and ensuring a safe and secure delivery location.
If you would like to have your order shipped with a signature confirmation (at an additional cost), please contact me PRIOR to purchase!
In the case of suspected theft, the buyer should file a stolen property report with their local law enforcement agency and submit a suspected mail theft report to USPS.
Insurance does not cover lost, stolen, or missing boxes after they have been delivered by the package carrier. Once a package has been marked as delivered by the carrier, I can no longer be responsible for it nor provide a refund if it has been stolen.
What happens if my items arrive broken or damaged?
I do my best to pack items safely and securely, but damage during transit does happen occasionally.
If your package arrives with obvious damage to the packaging...
* photograph the package prior to opening
* save the packaging
If there is damage to any of the items you receive...
* photograph any damage
* contact me immediately (or within 5 days of delivery) to describe the damage and provide photographs
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I provide a full or partial refund (depending on the extent of the damage) after you've provided the info necessary for insurance.
What happens if I don't want to pay additional taxes or duties when I receive the package?
With any international purchase, there is always the chance that additional taxes and duties will be owed by the purchaser before they can receive their package. The specifics vary widely by country and province. It is the responsibility of the buyer to pay for any additional costs.
Reviews (1)
Average:
Mar 3, 2023
This item was a gift for my wife, who is a fan of mid-century modern style. We were thrilled by the stylish look and excellent condition of both the typewriter and the case. It was just as I expected, but produced more happiness in my wife than I had even hoped. Thank you!
Kenneth Sidikman