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1952 Royal KMG Serial # KMG 13-4738110 1952 Royal KMG typewriter, Serial # KMG 13-4738110 Ted Snyder's 1952 Royal KMG typewriter. 2026-03-22 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Ted Snyder: 1952 Royal KMG Serial # KMG 13-4738110 Prevent enemy use: Smash typewriters and components with a sledge or other heavy instrument; burn with kerosene, gasoline, fuel oil, flame thrower, or incendiary bomb; detonate with firearms, grenades, TNT, or other explosives.
–US Army Royal Typewriter Technical Manual 10-602

Features:
Standard Elite, segment shift, 13” Extended carriage

This came to me via Facebook Marketplace.

I can see why the US Army has instructions for keeping this out of the hands of the enemy. I’ve read people online referring to this typewriter as a tank, and with the weight and appearance, I can see that. But that might imply that this machine is a blunt instrument, made for plowing through tasks. For me, there is an elegance to its feel, an almost effortlessness. It doesn’t disappear when typing like an Olympia SM9 can. Instead, it is there, moving, clicking, advancing, responding to each touch as if it was a partner in creation. The only challenge is that the keys, being flat and smooth, are not forgiving for sloppy technique, and I frequently misstrike or have my fingers slide off of them. Sculpted plastic or bakelite keys are superior for me in this regard.

Repairs / Replacements
The paper bail had a broken spring on one side. I couldn’t find the right type of spring, but after extensive searches at a large Ace Hardware, I found one that is similar in length and strength. The main difference was the length of the extended hook on one side. The replacement seems to work just fine.

I also replaced the feet and the rubber cushions that go above the feet. I sourced 3D printed feet and cushions from Toronto Typewriters. The feet were in poor shape, particularly the back ones. The cushions were still rubbery and somewhat pliable, but went bent they began to crack and they had been clearly compressed over time.

1952 Royal KMG #KMG 13-4738110

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Ted Snyder (tricosene)
Created: 02-04-2026 at 04:27PM
Last Edit: 03-22-2026 at 06:55AM

Description Hunter 3 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

Prevent enemy use: Smash typewriters and components with a sledge or other heavy instrument; burn with kerosene, gasoline, fuel oil, flame thrower, or incendiary bomb; detonate with firearms, grenades, TNT, or other explosives.
–US Army Royal Typewriter Technical Manual 10-602

Features:
Standard Elite, segment shift, 13” Extended carriage

This came to me via Facebook Marketplace.

I can see why the US Army has instructions for keeping this out of the hands of the enemy. I’ve read people online referring to this typewriter as a tank, and with the weight and appearance, I can see that. But that might imply that this machine is a blunt instrument, made for plowing through tasks. For me, there is an elegance to its feel, an almost effortlessness. It doesn’t disappear when typing like an Olympia SM9 can. Instead, it is there, moving, clicking, advancing, responding to each touch as if it was a partner in creation. The only challenge is that the keys, being flat and smooth, are not forgiving for sloppy technique, and I frequently misstrike or have my fingers slide off of them. Sculpted plastic or bakelite keys are superior for me in this regard.

Repairs / Replacements
The paper bail had a broken spring on one side. I couldn’t find the right type of spring, but after extensive searches at a large Ace Hardware, I found one that is similar in length and strength. The main difference was the length of the extended hook on one side. The replacement seems to work just fine.

I also replaced the feet and the rubber cushions that go above the feet. I sourced 3D printed feet and cushions from Toronto Typewriters. The feet were in poor shape, particularly the back ones. The cushions were still rubbery and somewhat pliable, but went bent they began to crack and they had been clearly compressed over time.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

The old feet compared to one of the new 3D printed feet.
The old feet compared to one of the new 3D printed feet.

The old feet compared to one of the new 3D printed feet.
The old feet compared to one of the new 3D printed feet.

The old pads that go between the frame and the rail the feet are attached to compared to a new 3D printed pad.
The old pads that go between the frame and the rail the feet are attached to compared to a new 3D printed pad.

Hunter: Ted Snyder (tricosene)

Ted Snyder's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 27

Back in high school, my dad would bring home one of the office typewriters, a Brother daisy wheel with a built-in word processor, for me to use. That might be my first typewriter. I don't know what happened to it. I bought a Cannon Starwriter afterwards to take to college. Fast forward to 2025, and I started wondering if there could be benefits of using a typewriter in my writing routines.

Little did I know that typewriters have the ability to reproduce. A Remington Quiet Riter led to a Royal KMG and Underwood De Luxe Leader pair, and the process continued. Now I have a dozen.


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