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| I love the sleek, "modern" lines of this typewriter's profile, as well as the way the space-bar integrates with the frame on each side. |
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| I've always wanted a typewriter with "tombstone" keys -- now I've got one! The slightly concave shape is very comfortable on the fingertips. |
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| This artistic logo is in the center of the paper table, which, by the way, hides the left & right margin sets underneath. Nice touch! |
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| As you can see, the paint on this Royal Arrow has held up extremely well, with only a few small nicks. |
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| This typewriter looks a lot smaller out of its case. |
POSTSCRIPT #2: Amazingly enough, Typospherian Ledeaux posted about HER Royal Arrow a day after mine: http://danteswardrobe.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-typewriter-that-waited.html?showComment=1346808523763#c961544978899777820
Very nice typewriter. It looks new. I do not recall seeing an Arrow like this, only the QDL. The typeface is beautiful. It looks very similar to the Hermes Petite Pica except the numeral are much nice on the Royal. I really like the way the 4 and the 7 seem to sweep into the line.
ReplyDeleteBill, I've never heard of petite pica. Is that 11 cpi? I think this Royal Arrow has that character size, according to my ruler.
DeleteYes, this typewriter does look new -- at a distance. But even up close, it's in amazingly good condition. The ribbon, when I unspooled it to treat with WD-40, looks original or very close to it. The very ends of the ribbon had a little metal hook that was wedged under the little point in the middle of the spool. I've never seen that before.
It looks like the design of this machine was by Henry Dreyfuss. Not a bad thing, right?
DeleteI love my Arrow of the same vintage, only it comes in drab green and it does not actually say Arrow on the paper table, but it IS.
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.
I've got one of these and it's one of my favorites. It has an elite typeface that seems particularly small. Extremely comfortable to type on and feels very solid for its compact size. The only problem with mine is the inconsistent left margin--apparently a recurring Royal problem.
ReplyDeleteI just blogged today about a bad left margin on a Royal. It's the only Royal I own with that problem and I own several. It certainly is an annoying issue to have.
DeleteWhat a handsome, no-nonsense typewriter.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you posting again!
Cameron: Nice catch! I like this body style and the key tops are very comfortable. I've seen two different problems with the backspace mechanism on this machine. If you pull the carriage all the over to the right, there is a small post with a straight blade slot visible through an access hole. Run the back space key and you should see a slotted flat arm engaging the post just inboard of the serial number.
ReplyDeleteProblem 1: The flat arm has jumped and is no longer engaged with the post.
Problem 2: The post is entirely missing. This was the case with my gold Royal QDL with the same body style.
Even without the backspacer, you've found yourself a great machine. Enjoy!
I know what you mean with the size - when I first got my Royal Companion, I was stunned by its small size. From the pictures and its semiprotable looks, I had imagined it would be much bigger.
ReplyDeleteI think I need a typewriter. Seriously. Your love of them must be contagious! Every time I see one, I think of you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're back in the peace of your woods.
Excellent find! My two QDL's of this same design are my favorites. I think you'll find that TW-DB is a year off in it's Royal Portable listings and that yours is a 1948 model. the '47s still had the rounded top shape and round glass keys.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS, Ted! This is not the first time you've helped me pin-point the actual year of manufacture. I greatly appreciate it!
DeleteI'll edit the post title accordingly...
The Royal Arrow, as I have said numerous times before, is the only Royal I really enjoy typing on. Yours is a beautiful example, and looks near identical to the QDL I have tucked away somewhere. My arrow is all gray, losing the nice two-tone effect but being beautiful in its own right all the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see you expanding your collection, Cameron. I hope all is well!
Hi Ho for the Royal Arrows! This morning I posted on my recently acquired Arrow (http://danteswardrobe.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-typewriter-that-waited.html) Yours looks to be in much better condition. (A few of my keys look faded.) And mine has an elite typeface. VERY nice to type on, which was a pleasant surprise -- compared my QDL which has seen better days - its action is snappy but rough from much wear.
ReplyDeleteI will always remember the amazing serendipity of our Royal Arrows acquired and posted at nearly the same time! It makes this whole experience all the more special.
Deletewhat a stunner!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today when a patient came in all excited for she located a typewriter ribbon and can finally use her old typewriter, after years of wanting to do so.
a new typewriter in the woods! hooray! always good to add to the family!
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post!? What a gorgeous little machine! I just picked up a QDL that looks just like it (also in exceptional condition, though it has no case). It is so new, in fact, it hasn't even been photographed and I was googling photos so I could show an approximation to a friend. With a quick cleaning and some oil, it types like a brand new machine. I quite like it. Congrats on the find!
ReplyDeleteby the way, mine has no problem with the left margin, but the backspace has a tendency to skip once in a while. No biggie, I just press it a couple times when it happens and it catches and works.
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm new to the typewriter world and I recently just bought a Rpyal Arrow. The ink in the current ribbon seems to be completely faded, and I was hoping you'd be able to tell me what kind of ribbon I need to purchase for it. Also, if you don't mind, is there anything else I should know about the typewriter?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
-Neels
hello typewriter-writers.
ReplyDeletemy royal arrow is exactly the same but made in canada. i've had it for many years but have never blogged before to fellow typewriter-writers. is this message working?
happy new year 2014!
sincerely,
arrow in toronto
Hello Ingrid, Yes, your comment came through just fine. Are you using your Royal Arrow? I do hope so!
Deletei mean i've never blogged before at all - this is a completely new form of communication for me and i am rather excited. too bad we can't blog via typewriter!!
ReplyDeletestill sincere,
arrow in toronto
I have one to give away.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you?
DeleteI found your blog while trying to search for details on my newly acquired Royal Arrow found while thrifting yesterday. I fell in love with the tombstone shape keys. I believe mine is the same as yours tho' it isn't sitting in front of me at the moment, but if so, good to know the 1948 date ! I now have to learn how to properly clean and care for this baby, find ribbon, etc etc. Thanks for your posting. Jess
ReplyDelete