1 of 1- OldGreyBeard
- Platen Punisher
Offline - From: England
- Registered: 25-9-2016
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Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
I've bought a 1941 Royal Aristocrat serial no. B-1098428 at auction today for £35. It's a lovely looking machine in amazing condition. Even the rubbers are basically OK after 76 odd years.
The unusual thing about it is that the 3/# key & type has been substituted for a 3/£ one at some point. The font of the key tip 3 is different to all the other keys. I'm assuming it came to the UK during WW2 but it could have been later.
I've been looking for a heavy duty portable with tabs and this is one fits the bill. From now on it's a one in/one out policy!
- Rattle Tap
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
Hello!
A couple of months ago I purchased the same machine from an antique store here in the states.
Mine is B-946948 and you're absolutely right, it is a great machine. I'm very well satisfied with it.
It acts like a desk top machine but is small and light enough for lap typing if one wants to.
Odd about the replacement 3 key but I suspect you're right again as to the reason. Likely it came over as a US keyboard and was turned over to the UK style to suit the new user.
- OldGreyBeard
- Platen Punisher
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
On closer inspection only the top of the typeface has been changed. The # has been cut off and a £ soldered on. Again on closer inspection the serial number is B-1098422. I'll have to add it to the typewriter database.
A really lovely machine with a great action. I can only find a manual for a later 1960's model. Any ideas where I can find a more contemporary manual?
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Thread Starter- SoucekFan
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
OldGreyBeard wrote:
Any ideas where I can find a more contemporary manual?
There is a 1941 Royal Quiet De Luxe manual on this page. The Aristocrat and the QDL are almost the same machine, so that manual would probably work fine for your Aristocrat.
- OldGreyBeard
- Platen Punisher
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
Thanks for the link to the manual. Just what I needed.
Managed to order a new ribbon for the Royal today. Code 1009FN
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Thread Starter- Rattle Tap
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
I'm glad that manual will work for you.
My machine did not come with anything in the case but a cleaning brush.
My machine is also a little older than the one pictured in the manual but I don't suppose that would really matter that much.
- SoucekFan
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
I'm glad that manual will work for you.
My machine did not come with anything in the case but a cleaning brush.
My machine is also a little older than the one pictured in the manual but I don't suppose that would really matter that much.
On that page, there are also manuals for late-40's and 50's Royal portables, as well.
- OldGreyBeard
- Platen Punisher
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Re: Royal Aristocrat - UK/US hybrid keyboard
My typewriter did come with the cleaning brush which I discovered last night. Difficult to see a black brush in a black case 
It does look a bit melted but the bristles are still OK.
There is also a clip which I think must be to lock the basket shift in place.
I've been using the machine a bit in the last few days and it is easing up. It was rather stiff before and the vibrator didn't move cleanly. It really is a lovely machine. Well worth £35.
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