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196X Argyle P-201 Serial # 2911126 196X Argyle P-201 typewriter, Serial # 2911126 James Gifford's 196X Argyle P-201 typewriter. 2016-09-03 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of James Gifford: 196X Argyle P-201 Serial # 2911126 I bought this on eBay knowing nothing about it, just liking the name. The seller advertised it as mint and ready to use, though it arrived with a dented and bent back panel, bent keys and, I think, missing the original ribbon covers (though I'm not sure about that). And some rust, which is common on this model, from what I've read. I have some work to do. I did manage to get it going well enough to attach sample type, for most of the keys, anyway. I understand that this is a rare machine, or at least uncommon, so I'll cut it some slack. Still, I can see why there aren't many of these in the world. The name "Argyle" really doesn't make any sense on a blue metal and chrome (yes, chrome!) typewriter. Perhaps they could have considered an argyle pattern . . . I've yet to see the other model that Nippo Machine Co. Ltd. of Yokohama put out, the Atlas, but I would pick one up if I found it on the cheap at a barn sale.

196X Argyle P-201 #2911126

Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
Created: 09-03-2016 at 04:13PM
Last Edit: 09-03-2016 at 05:38PM


Description:

I bought this on eBay knowing nothing about it, just liking the name. The seller advertised it as mint and ready to use, though it arrived with a dented and bent back panel, bent keys and, I think, missing the original ribbon covers (though I'm not sure about that). And some rust, which is common on this model, from what I've read. I have some work to do. I did manage to get it going well enough to attach sample type, for most of the keys, anyway. I understand that this is a rare machine, or at least uncommon, so I'll cut it some slack. Still, I can see why there aren't many of these in the world. The name "Argyle" really doesn't make any sense on a blue metal and chrome (yes, chrome!) typewriter. Perhaps they could have considered an argyle pattern . . . I've yet to see the other model that Nippo Machine Co. Ltd. of Yokohama put out, the Atlas, but I would pick one up if I found it on the cheap at a barn sale.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

I read somewhere that this machine would have come with proprietary ribbon covers, but this one came without. I fitted it with a standard ribbon intended for a Royal KMM.
I read somewhere that this machine would have come with proprietary ribbon covers, but this one came without. I fitted it with a standard ribbon intended for a Royal KMM.



I found the original manual and serviceman repair forms (not filled out), as well as a worn N keytop,  tucked into the case. I couldn't find a patent or printing date on the materials, or an obvious one, anyway; it says "Printed in Japan 6906" on the instruction booklet, which could mean June 1969 for all I know.
I found the original manual and serviceman repair forms (not filled out), as well as a worn N keytop, tucked into the case. I couldn't find a patent or printing date on the materials, or an obvious one, anyway; it says "Printed in Japan 6906" on the instruction booklet, which could mean June 1969 for all I know.

Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2325

I am a writer and book editor as well as a collector of typewriters. It started with an Hermes 3000 desktop, which I stupidly sold last year, but now another sits on my desk for typing envelopes with a beautiful sans serif typeface. I type every day on different machines in my collection, which stands at about 60 at the moment. Favourites include my two 3000s, a 1930s Smith-Corona Silent, the Olivetti Studio 44 (red case), and a crinkle, chrome-encircled Royal Quiet Deluxe. I have also been finding very inexpensive Royal 10s of late; I currently own three, two from the 1910s and the other a later model, and another (1931) I sold to a friend at cost for his son, who appreciates vintage things. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting machines and often trade or sell to try new models. Living and working in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.



RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Argyle P-201 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Argyle Serial Number page and the Argyle P-201 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.