Thanks. I ended up asking my mom to buy it for me for christmas, which she did.

I cannot wait :D

Thank you so much for answering my questions!

2. I checked, once side is missing and the other side is very worn.
3. Just figured out how to set margins, thank you!
4. The paper doesn't seem to want to roll (go to a different line) when the paper is clamped in, but to me this is not an issue.

Yesterday my first manual arrived in the mail. The Royal "Mercury" portable typewriter.

Slim, sexy, and packed up she is only just roughly larger than a college calculus book. I hoped that she would be the ONE, and I know for sure she is a keeper. It hasn't been 24 hours and I already typed 5 full pages with her.

For a variety of reasons, I am trying to learn Russian. I already have all the character and sounds represented in the cyrillic script memorized.

AND THATS WHEN I SAW HER!!!!

Portable. Manual. Slim (not as slim as my Mercury, though). German made. FULL 100% Cyrillic typeface. And for under $100 including shipping.

The temptation to buy her is real. This weekend is drill which means more money in the bank, but there are so many other things that I want to buy such as a new (well actually old and vintage) straight razor, honing and stropping kit, amongst other things.

Do I buy her? Do I get a family member to get her for me for Christmas? Or do I pass this mistress up hoping to see her another day?

That wood finish... So. Much. CLASS.

Your looks stunningly well kept from the looks of this photo.

But since you have a Mercury as well, would you mind answering a few questions?
1. Do you find the touch control easier to work with on H or L?
2. Does your internal mechanics cover come off really easily? Mine is loose and can be removed with no effort.
3. Is it possible to set the margins or do you have to go into Margin Release for every line?
4. What is the lever on the right rear side for? No the one that slides the roller to the left, but the one behind it. It seems like it moved that long metal plate in the back (the one that says "Mercury") but I don't know the purpose behind it.
5. Is there an easier way to swap ribbons other than having to hold that long horizontal bar back to snake the ribbon behind that write head?
6. What is the best method of cleaning the inside base of the typewriter. Mine has some dust, but not an overwelming amount. I am hesitant to take random screws out of her just to remove a few little dust bunnies.
7. And any other general advice/tips/tricks with this typewriter?
8. EDIT: It appears as though my fresh cleaned slugs are already gunked up after just 5 pages of typing, even worse than before! Is this level of accumulation normal? The ribbon spool is old and frayed in some places so maybe its the ribbons fault. Either way I have new spools coming in the mail next week.

Believe it or not, in the 6 or so hours I had this typewriter I already typed 2 double sided pages, full text of notes. I just found enjoyment and relaxation typing up handwritten notes. I even made some a few 'graphical' charts on the typewriter.

To put it in perspective that you would better understand, the double ribbon spool had to be completely reversed TWICE. And I am not sure if all ribbon spools are this long, but the one that came with this Mercury had ribbon that extended beyond the edges of the spool itself when it reached the end.

Funny thing, for some

Intro:
With every strike of a key, as you know, a metal arm with a character inprint hits inked cloth up against paper, leaving behind a letter to tell the tale.

As time goes on while the typewriter is in use, as the typebar leaves it's mark behind on the paper, it picks up a mark as well. Some of the ink from the ribbon latches onto the typebar, which results in absorption of loose ribbon fibers and dust. Slowly but surely, a thick black gunk forms around slug, much like carbon buildup of a firearm.

This buildup of gunk won't destroy your typewriter, but if it builds up too much it can cuase problems such as:
-Segments sticking to the ribbon
-Segments sticking to other segments while at rest in the segment tray
-Dull print or illegible characters
-Wasted ink

What you need:
1. Strong, non-flaking paper towel:
If it flakes (shreds with debris), it will create dust which you don't want in your typewriter. If you don't have anything else, then use scizzors to cut the paper towel to minimalize the flaking.

2. Two sided plastic thistle brush. A toothbrush won't cut it. You want something with really tough bristles; one set big, one set small. The small end should have bristles no longer than half a centimeter. An example of an ideal brush would be the brush that comes with the U.S. military's standard issue weapons cleaning kit. That is what I used.

3. Metal Tweazers. The smaller and sturdier the better. If you have finicky hands I would skip using them. The tweezer's only purpose is to minimize the ammout of residue that could fall into the typewriter. 

4. Braces cleaners. small pipe cleaner would be a suitable alternative. I happily shared my tooth cleaning instruments with my typewriter.

5. Open and clean work environment. Should have good lighting or else use a worklight. Give yourself lots of arm room. Do not do this on a cluttered desk. If you have a small corner table, that is prefered. If your desk has a