Uwe wrote:

To answer your question, the Quiet De Luxe did come with a paper guide; however, based on your description it sounds like you're asking about a paper rest. The paper guide is the angled bracket that slides left and right on the paper table and helps to guide in a sheet of paper at a desired location on a platen. A paper rest on the other hand, which typically extends from the paper table, is what supports a page upright as it comes off the platen.

The body style of the Quiet De Luxe changed during the '40s, so I'm not sure which machine you're specicfically asking about. Regardless, I'm pretty sure that neither featured a paper rest, certainly not the one that appeared in the late '40s.

The paper rest has always been a pet peeve of mine and it infuriates me when a machine doesn't have one, partly because it means you need more desk space to use the machine, but also because you have to constantly lift up the typed page if you frequently need to refer back to something that you've typed.. 

Oh, gosh... yes... I used the wrong terminology. I did mean paper rest. Seems odd to let the paper hit the desk when it flops over, not even quite to the end of the page. Any thoughts on devising a paper rest for these old machines?
 

Uwe wrote:

hamidlmt wrote:

Seems odd to let the paper hit the desk when it flops over, not even quite to the end of the page. Any thoughts on devising a paper rest for these old machines?
 

You're right. Odd, and VERY frustrating when you consider that most paper rests are nothing more than a flat piece of metal; how much would something like that really add to the production cost of a machine? I imagine that any number of home made contraptions could be made to keep the paper upright, but in truth I've never bothered to try any.I would certainly be reluctant to attach anything to the machine and tamper with its original design and appearance. Maybe a table easel positioned behind the typewriter would be a simple solution? They're very inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Or conversely, you could quickly make one out of cardboard to look something like this:


 

That looks to be a cumbersome solution. I think I might enjoy the Royals just a bit more had their manufacturer's thought of this not so trivial detail. I so dig the pop up V-shape of the Olivetti's paper rest. Totally useful. Well, I think I'll just let the paper drag. When it touches the desk surface, the page is very nearly done. It just provides a hint of distraction as the paper scuttles against the desk when it bows over the back of the typewriter.
 

colrehogan wrote:

My QDL white has a paper rest

Yes, later models did feature a paper rest; I assume your machine is a '50s model similar to my '57?



 

I have a 1939 Royal Quiet De Luxe which I picked up a couple years ago for $5 at a thrift shop, mainly to keep it from jewelry-making vandals who might be after the glass-topped keys. Finally got it out recently and started cleaning and lubricating. It has no paper rest, but does have the round shift keys, which were specific to 1939. It types well, but throws an extra space now and then, something I have to look into. The case is in good shape too, and it came with an owner's manual and a finger-placement typing guide.
I'll be using it tomorrow for notes on Christmas cards.