I went ahead and got it - an out-of-character impulse buy. I will easily get $100 worth of fun out of the typewriter -  hope I can get it running.

I sent the seller packing instructions and a link to typewriter packing tips - I hope that I didn't sound like a complete noodge.

TypewriterGuy wrote:

How to make any old typewiter with smooth paint instantly better: polish it with gun oil!.

Gun oil is designed to clean and lubricate metal parts. I've never heard it being used on painted surfaces, nor do I understand why anyone would use that when there are myriad specialty products available that were designed to safely clean and protect painted materials. And good luck trying to apply a water-slide decal on a surface coated in gun oil.
 

I plan to take a "do no harm" approach with this one. First: try get it running and then do a careful outside cleaning. I have read good things about Renaissance brand microcrystalline wax for polishing.

Though it's missing decals, I don't plan to put new ones on the typewriter. Its relative rarity may really matter to a future owner, so I will try to keep it as original as possible.

It shipped yesterday - I hope it arrives in one piece.

One problem with wiping down the exterior of a typewriter with gun oil is that it will leave behind an extremely thin film of oil. This film, while helping to make a glossy painted finish look better, will also attract dust. It can also darken paints that are a color other than black. If it's a typewriter you plan to use a lot, it has black paint, and you are going to be cleaning/maintaining it on a regular basis, sure, wipe it down occasionally to keep it shiny and nice. 

Definitely don't wipe a typewriter down with oil and then put it into storage, as you will have to clean off the stubborn, dirty film at a later date after the gun oil gums up over time and gets a bunch of dirt/dust stuck to it.

Really, the best way to shine/protect antique high-gloss paint is to properly polish the finish and then wax the exterior, much like you would a car.

Congrads "Mech!"

Topic an interesting discussion for a new-comer to read.  Granted people back then didn't have the selection of cleaning products we have today.

"3 in 1 oil" worked wonders for a royal 10 got, but I did pay extra to get one in good working condition in the first place.

Page 6 from a Royal 10 manual (circa mid to late 20's) advises the following under "Where and How to Clean."

"4.  Your machine can be kept looking like new by occasionally wiping all nickled and enameld parts with an oily cloth, then with a soft, dry cloth.  NOTE: Remember to use oil sparingly-- too much oil will attract dust and do more injury than no oil at all."

As with so many things, maybe there is no one "right way?"

At the risk of multi-thread, I'd like to know more about decals. Not trolling!

Wouldn't putting a reproduction decal on an antique lessen its value?  (They're readily available for telephones & sub-sets and it's source of ethical 'discussion' sort of like painting typewriters seems to be here at TT.)

Just curious. : )