Royal Typewriter Co. Inc., New York, U.S.A. Company Founded 1904.
April 1954 to March 1965: Royal McBee.
March 1965 to April 1986: Royal Typewriter (Litton Industries).
October 1966: Royal Typewriter (Litton) acquires Imperial.
January 1969: Royal Typewriter (Litton) acquires Triumph/Adler.
February 1979: Volkswagen acquires Royal Typewriter.
April 1986: Olivetti acquires Litton Industries from Volkswagen.
Sept 2004-Current: Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc., 50 Hilton Street, Easton, PA 18042.
Royal Website.
|
18,154 |
Platen Diameter |
Standards & Electrics 1.485" (37.72mm) except Model Superia: 1.751" (44.5mm)
Portables:
Models O,OT,P,RA,AG,A,B,C,CG,RF,F,RC,E,ES,J,JC,BJ,CD,U,D,UR,UB: 1.272" (32.31mm)
Models Royalite & Dart: 1.259" (32mm)
Models Royaluxe 300,325,350,400,425,450, Diana: 1.271" (32.3mm)
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Models and s/n |
Y |
M |
D |
Remarks |
Ref. |
Standard Manual |
|
Electrics (introduced 1950) serial numbers first run up to 16000, then in late 1951, begin running concurrent with Standard Manuals.
Serial Number Location: On top plate, right side rear, under carriage.
|
18,31 |
Regal Rebuilt |
|
|
Note: Regal Rebuilt Royals carry a "Y" prefix, with "SY" segment shift, and "CSY" Chrome segment shift.
Serial number is restarted at 100,000 each year, and completely replaces the older serial. A "close to" original manufacture serial number
(and thus, the approximate original manufacture date) can be found on the left side of the frame, painted over.
Example: Y35-107833 is a Carriage Shift model, the 7833rd machine rebuilt by Regal in 1935. |
18 |
Royal Grand |
|
Royal offered to dealers the "Royal Grand", very similar in appearance (but not mechanically)
to the later #10 model. The "Grand" had covered ribbon spools and was priced at $100.
While there is evidence that the "Grand" was offered between 1906-07, for reasons
currently unknown it was pulled from the market. Not many, if any, were sold to the public and fewer than 6 are known in
collections today. Known serial numbers: #169, #206.
|
18,78 |
1 |
1906 |
|
Model No. 1 "Standard" started, priced at $65. Nos. 2, 3 and 4 were larger carriage versions of No. 1
|
18 |
1000 |
1907 |
|
18 |
4000 |
1908 |
|
18 |
14000 |
1909 |
|
18 |
35000 |
1910 |
|
Model No. 5 started, Nos. 6, 7, 8 were larger carriage versions of No. 5 |
17,18 |
58000 |
1911 |
|
17 |
85000 |
1912 |
|
17 |
142000 |
1913 |
Model No. 10 started in late 1913 - series run: 173000 to 1663999.
First variation (173000 to 212000) had two open rectangular holes in the side, surrounded by pinstriping. |
17,123 |
175000 |
1914 |
|
Second variation: Double glass panels began at 212000 and ran until 745308. |
17,18,123 |
205000 |
1915 |
|
17 |
234000 |
1916 |
|
17 |
279000 |
1917 |
Variable Line Spacer began at 282000 |
17,18 |
336000 |
1918 |
|
17 |
394000 |
1919 |
|
17 |
478000 |
1920 |
|
17 |
567000 |
1921 |
"QX" Prefix, first serial: 600000 |
17,18 |
641000 |
1922 |
|
17 |
678000 |
1923 |
Third variation: Single glass panel replaced double glass panels at serial 745309 and continues to 1663999. |
17,123 |
760000 |
1924 |
|
17 |
848000 |
1925 |
|
17 |
940000 |
1926 |
|
17 |
1036000 |
1927 |
|
17 |
1134000 |
1928 |
|
17 |
1236000 |
1929 |
|
17 |
1348000 |
1930 |
|
|
|
17 |
1435000 |
1931 |
|
|
First segment shift at 1466500 |
17,18 |
1525000 |
1932 |
|
|
"S" Model is prior to "H" model |
17,18 |
1554000 |
1933 |
|
|
|
17 |
1617000 |
1934 |
|
|
"H" and "KH" in 1664000 to 1850000 ("K" means Keyset) |
17,18 |
1723000 |
1935 |
|
"KHM" series ran 1850000 to 2249999. Initals mean: K - Key Set, HM - H Model, DT - Keyset, KDTHM - H Model 5 key Keyset. |
17,18,115 |
1847000 |
1936 |
|
17 |
2005000 |
1937 |
|
17 |
2178000 |
1938 |
|
"KHT" fall of 1938, ran series 2250000 to 2273522,
"KMM" Magic Margin ran series 2273522 to 3849999.
(REMINGTON Examined #2250058 in Oct '38)
Royal trademark for "Magic" on Aug 25, 1938 - Granted Dec. 20, 1938 (#71409901).
|
17,18,115, 155 |
2320000 |
1939 |
|
17 |
2494000 |
1940 |
Sometime around #2550000 some changes were made to the KMM keytops,
where the shift, tabulator and backspace keys were changed from round to rectangular. |
17 |
2681000 |
1941 |
|
17 |
2901000 |
1942 |
|
17 |
3026000 |
1943 |
|
|
Production Halted: World War II |
17 |
3026000 |
1944 |
|
|
Production Halted: World War II |
17 |
3037000 |
1945 |
|
|
|
17 |
3094000 |
1946 |
|
|
|
17 |
3273000 |
1947 |
|
|
|
17 |
3550000 |
1948 |
|
|
|
17 |
3865000 |
1949 |
|
Model "KMG" Announced 2/10/49, ran series 3850000 to 4814999, first grey model.
KMG Model Paint Color: Gray Frieze.
|
17,18,115, 120 |
4100000 |
1950 |
|
Royal "RP" (Grey Magic Electric) introduced Feb 1950. Serial numbers of first Model "RP" Electrics ran in a
special series 1000 to 16000 and then were sequenced to match regular Royal Standards in late 1951. The first RP model
featured grey paint, KMG style badge and several "Electric" decals. They were changed to resemble the HH style
before April of 1951. |
17,18,115, 146 |
4360000 |
1951 |
|
17 |
4688000 |
1952 |
|
"HH" Model, standard 43-key keyboard ran series 4815000 to (?). Announced around 8/1/52.
(HHP is Pica, HHE is Elite, HHS is 'other' - HHD models have decimal tabulator and 4th prefix indicates typeface.)
HH Model Paint Colors: Charcoal Grey smooth, Nile Green smooth, Horizon Blue smooth, Coral Rose, Gray Frieze,
Royaltone Dark Gray wrinkle, Royaltone Light Gray wrinkle.
|
17,18,115, 116,120 |
4990000 |
1953 |
|
17 |
5248000 |
1954 |
|
Model "RE" Electric runs series 5375000 to (?), introduced September 27, 1954.
RE Model Paint Colors: Royaltone or Pearl Dark Gray smooth, Royaltone or Pearl Light Gray smooth,
Charcoal Gray smooth, Gray Frieze (same as RP), Royaltone Dark Gray wrinkle, Royaltone Light Gray wrinkle,
Willow Green smooth, Nile Green Smooth, Royal Light Green smooth, Royal Dark Green smooth, Horizon Blue smooth,
Sea Blue smooth, Royal Light Blue smooth, Royal Dark Blue smooth, Cameo Pink smooth (Petal Pink),
Royal Light Coral smooth, Royal Dark Coral smooth, Royal Light Beige wrinkle, Royal Dark Beige wrinkle,
Royal Light Beige smooth, Royal Dark Beige smooth, Brushed Aluminum, Sandstone smooth, Coral Rose.
|
17,115,120, 146 |
5500000 |
1955 |
|
17 |
5787000 |
1956 |
|
17 |
6037000 |
1957 |
|
Model "FP" begins #6195809. (FPP is Pica, FPE is Elite, FPS is 'special order')
FP Model Paint Colors: Royaltone or Pearl Dark Gray smooth, Royaltone or Pearl Light Gray smooth,
Willow Green smooth, Sea Blue smooth, Cameo Pink smooth (Petal Pink), Brushed Aluminum,
Sandstone smooth, Coral Rose.
|
17,28,120 |
6393000 |
1958 |
|
17 |
6650000 |
1959 |
Model "HE" Electric begins #6859000
HE Model Paint Colors: Royaltone or Pearl Light Gray smooth, Cameo Pink smooth (Petal Pink),
Oyster White, Mist Green, Sapphire Blue, Electro Black, Princess Beige (special order).
Royal Precision Corp. "RPC-4480" (intended for I/O computer system use) introduced Nov 5, 1959, based on "HE" Electric.
|
17,116,120, 146 |
6950000 |
1960 |
|
17 |
7100000 |
1961 |
Electric Model "HER" begins #7113300. |
17 |
7300000 |
1962 |
|
Model "101" begins #7471771
Model "MC" Empress begins #7325000. (MCP is Pica, MCE is Elite, MCS is 'other')
MC Model Paint Colors: Oyster White, Princess Beige (special order), Fawn Gray, Aztec Blue, Moss Light Green.
Carriage lengths for "MC": 11", 13", 16", 21" and 27"
Electress "GA" Model Introduced.
This is a simplified Electric Standard machine with a rubber power roller instead of a metal fluted shaft to power typebar action.
Carriage lengths for "GA": 13" and 16"
|
17,28,116, 120,146 |
7500000 |
1963 |
Electric Model "HE" (last serial #7669999) becomes "EB" Model Emperor (first serial #7670000) and "EBD" Emperor with 10-key Decimal tabulator, introduced May 8, 1963
Available carriage lengths for "EB" and "EBD": 13", 16" and 21".
|
17,146 |
7775000 |
1964 |
"GAR" Model (I/O capable?) introduced. |
20,146 |
8060000 |
1965 |
Royal McBee and Litton merger effective March 1, 1965.
Electress "GAK" Carbon Ribbon only model introduced June, 1965. |
20,146 |
8290000 |
1966 |
|
Model 440 begins #8390000 441 (Carbon Ribbon), 442 (10-Key Decimal Tab).
440 Model Paint Colors: Aztec Blue, Oyster White, Fawn Gray, Moss-lite Green, Desert Beige.
Model 660 Electric begins.
660 Model Paint Colors: Tahitian Beige (standard), Black Frieze, Arctic White, Tropic Blue, and Persian Green. (Royal Line Catalog, 1966)
|
20,28,156 |
8590000 |
1967 |
|
20 |
8870000 |
1968 |
Model 660 electric (fabric/carbon ribbon) Model 661 (fabric only) 662 (carbon only).
13", 16", 18", 21" and 27" Carriages available, with 88 and 92 character keyboards.
Available in 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16 pitch typefaces.
550 Model Paint Colors: Tahitian Beige. 13" and 16" Carriages available. Type Styles: Pica, Elite, Herald Elite & Oxford.
553 Model 13" Carriage Coin Operated model 550.
665 OCP Royal Electric Optical Character Printer. Carbon ribbon version of 660 equipped with USASI computer-readable typeface.
|
20,156 |
9192000 |
1969 |
|
20 |
9432000 |
1970 |
|
Royal 470 introduced.
11", 13", 16", 21" and 27" Carriages available, with 86, 88 and 92 character keyboards.
Available in 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16 pitch typefaces.
Color: Autumn Haze with Royal Bronze trim.
Royal 970 Electric introduced.
|
20 |
9694000 |
1971 |
|
20,146 |
10878000 |
1972 |
|
All Royal Desktop model production and tooling moved overseas July 25, 1972
to Imperial factory in England. |
20,146 |
11311000 |
1973 |
|
20 |
11796000 |
1974 |
|
20 |
12367000 |
1975 |
Royal 470 ended as Imperial factory shuttered in 1975.
The 470 is the last iteration of the venerable Royal Manual Standard design.
Royal 700 manual standard is introduced, but it is just a relabeled Adler Universal 200/400.
All production moves to Germany.
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Superia Standard |
|
|
|
made by Orga A.G., Nuernberg, Germany, owned by Royal |
|
300000-303999 |
1950 |
|
|
13 |
304000-311999 |
1951 |
|
13 |
312000-313999 |
1952 |
Production ended 1953 |
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric |
|
Royal Electric introduced Jan 1950. Serial numbers of first electrics ran in a
special series up to 16000 and then were sequenced to match regular Royal Standards in late 1951.
Royal labeled other manufacturers electric portables as Royals, beginning with the Diana Electric in the 1950s and
continuing into the 1970s with Silver Seiko portable electrics from Japan. (see below)
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portables |
|
|
|
Royal Portable, Models:
P, OT, O (no model name)
A, AG [1950-52], RA[1953-55 "Speed Control"], AB [1955-57 blue], AC [1955-57 charcoal], AR [1955-57 red],
AG [1955-57 green], AD [1957 grey/blue], AE [1957 tan], AY [1955-57 yellow],
AP [1955-57 pink], AW [1957-58 white] (Quiet DeLuxe)
B [1938-1941], RB [1956-1958], A1(?) [1965-1968] (Speed King, Aristocrat)
C, CG (Arrow)
CD, RF, F (Companion, Commander)
RC (Keystone)
2A (Futura 800)
2C (Futura 400)
SA (Safari)
CR (Caravan)
CU (Custom)
RX (Royaluxe)
SB (Sabre) |
1 |
1926 |
|
'P' Model introduced. |
17 |
6000 |
1927 |
Change made to feet at #31593, round rubber feet. |
17,123 |
56500 |
1928 |
|
17 |
114500 |
1929 |
|
17 |
183800 |
1930 |
|
Shell change to add gull-wing ribbon covers at #188300, also feet changed to square rubber with metal insert frames. |
17,123 |
260000 |
1931 |
|
17 |
308600 |
1932 |
'O' Model introduced. |
17 |
324900 |
1933 |
|
17 |
354231 |
1934 |
Proto-De Luxe "A" Model with tabulator introduced. |
17 |
409082 |
1935 |
|
Shell redesign for 'O' and 'A' Models.
De Luxe 'A' Model introduced starting with serial number 471,000
(Trademark "Touch Control" first use April 2, 1935) and featuring
nickel-chromium plating and a longer line space lever.
'P' Model becomes Royal Junior.
The Model "A" = touch control, finger comfort keys, automatic paper lock, tabulator, paper guide,
complete enclosure as dust protection, types a 9 inch line, comes in 9 or 10 or 12 pitch,
all brightwork is chrome plated, and could be bought in black, maroon, or green (glossy paint).
Case has chrome-plated dual locks and a weatherproof band around the joint. The "A" sold for $60.
The model "O" is similar but different in important ways = nickel plated bright work,
no automatic paper lock, no tabulator, no paper guide, and only sold in shiny black enamel.
The case has only one instead of two locks, and the one is nickel plated, not chrome plated.
It sold for $49.50.
In addition, The Royal Junior also was offered in 1935. The Junior is basically a reskinned Model P.
It was only sold in black enamel and only came with an intermediate Pica type.
It sold for a classic Depression price of $33.50.
None of these 1935 portables had a brightwork plated band around the typebar cover,
something that adds to the confusion over the differences between the 1935 A and the O.
- Peter Weil, re: 1935 Royal Dealer Catalog
|
17,7,155 |
493068 |
1936 |
|
17 |
602939 |
1937 |
|
17 |
724093 |
1938 |
|
Quiet 'A' Model begins,
'B' Model Speed King begins.
'O' and Junior Model discontinued. |
17 |
807493 |
1939 |
|
De Luxe and Quiet 'A' Models become the Quiet De Luxe.
'B' Model Speed King becomes Aristocrat
(Royal Trademark "Aristocrat" #71446179 first use July, 1939). 'C' Model Arrow Begins.
Royal trademark "Quiet De Luxe" #72141114, first use July 1939.
|
17,155 |
926862 |
1940 |
'CD' Model Companion begins. |
17 |
995728 |
1941 |
Dec 7, 1941: US enters WWII, 'A', 'B' and 'CD' Models drastically scaled back on March 15th, 1942. |
17 |
1107503 |
1942 |
|
In 1942 Royal produces mainly US Navy Radio Mill Arrow 'C' Models.
Approx 56,000 portables made, likely mostly for military use, 1942 to 1943 |
17 |
1152000 |
1943 |
|
17,22 |
production halted |
1944 |
All portable production halts. |
17 |
production halted |
1945 |
Production of civilian-market 'A' and 'C' Model portables re-starts mid/late 1945. |
17 |
1164182 |
1946 |
|
17 |
1275456 |
1947 |
|
17 |
1473968 |
1948 |
|
Shell re-designed by Henry Dreyfuss, Squared shell, Grey and Black with oval crome inserts for front levers. Keytops change from round glass to 'tombstone' glass with chromed rims. |
17 |
1741468 |
1949 |
|
Shell color reconfigured in the beginning months of 1949, shell now all-grey.
Gold-plated Anniversary 'A' Models produced. |
17 |
1940834 |
1950 |
|
Shell re-designed again near the end of 1950.
Ribbon cover hole enlarged, chrome lever inserts now have "wings", Plastic keys begin,
except on special-order and some foreign keyboards.
'C' Model Arrow Discontinued, Companion re-designed and re-launched as 'F' Model. |
17 |
2137681 |
1951 |
|
17 |
2353369 |
1952 |
'F' Model Companion halted. |
17 |
2563970 |
1953 |
|
"RA" serial prefix Quiet De Luxe introduces "Speed Control" motor tension control,
similar to "Carriage Control" on Standard Model HH. This feature vanishes with the end
of the RA prefix QDLs in 1956. |
17 |
2787735 |
1954 |
Royal merged into the new Royal-McBee Corporation in 1954. |
17,144 |
2977900 |
1955 |
|
Non-crinkle brightly-colored paint scemes begin. Prefixes:
AB [1955-57 blue], AC [1955-57 charcoal], AR [1955-57 red],
AG [1955-57 green], AP [1955-57 pink], AY [1955-57 yellow].
Royal trademark for "Touch Control" on Feb 14, 1955, Granted Sept. 11, 1956 (#71681641).
|
17,155 |
3177500 |
1956 |
'B' Model Aristocrat redesigned and re-launched. 'RS' Model Companion re-designed and re-launched.
"RA" prefix Quiet De Luxe ends and "Speed Control" is dropped as a feature. "T" prefix teal colored models appear
in 1956. Unknown if they have special features other than a new red-background for the ribbon cover logo, a look which
is continued until the end of the QDL in 1958.
|
17 |
3449287 |
1957 |
A new two-tone wrinkle paint scheme is added to the lineup along with a tan wrinkle and towards the end of
1957, the "AW" white that becomes the only model to make the cut in 1958. The "T" prefix of 1956 becomes the
"AT" teal of 1957.
Prefixes: AD [1957 grey/blue crinkle], AE [1957 tan crinkle], AT [1957 teal], AW [1957-58 white].
|
17 |
3770781 |
1958 |
|
Quiet De Luxe 'A' Model becomes Futura 800 '2A' Model,
Arrow 'C' Model becomes Futura 400 '2C' Model,
although all are produced concurrently during 1958.
'B' Model Aristocrat becomes 'SK' Model Speed King, 'RS' Model Companion halted.
For the 'A' Model Quiet De Luxe, its final year of production was in
a single prefix, introduced late in 1957. Prefix: AW [1958 white].
|
17 |
4053056 |
1959 |
"Quiet De Luxe" Discontinued.
Royal trademark for "Heritage" #72071750. First use Feb 9, 1959.
Heritage is sold by Montgomery Ward.
|
17,155 |
4200000 |
1960 |
Approximation.
Royal trademark "Tab-O-Matic" #72097247, first use May 2, 1960.
Royal trademark "Century" #72102510, first use July 25, 1960.
|
60,155 |
4500000 |
1961 |
Approximation. |
60 |
4800000 |
1962 |
Approximation.
Royal trademark "Safari" #72138264, first use Jan 3, 1962.
Royal trademark "Caravan" #72143673, first use April 11, 1962.
Royal trademark "Parade" #72143674, first use April 11, 1962.
Royal trademark "Custom" #72143675, first use April 10, 1962.
Royal trademark "Citadel" #72151256, first use Aug 21, 1962.
Royal trademark "Cruiser" #72152157, first use Aug 21, 1962.
Royal trademark "Traveller" #72152158, first use Aug 22, 1962.
Royal trademark "Lark" #72153895, first use Sept 14, 1962.
|
60,155 |
5200000 |
1963 |
|
Approximation. Futura 800 '2A' model becomes Safari
'SA' Model at #5,584,967. Caravan 'CR' Model introduced.
Royal trademark "Telstar" #72173780, first use July 8, 1963.
Royal trademark "Astronaut" #72174534, first use July 31, 1963.
Royal trademark "Sahara" #72174535, first use July 29, 1963.
Royal trademark "Jet" #72179359, first use Oct 3, 1963.
|
60,28,155 |
5584967 |
1964 |
|
|
Royal trademark "Marksman" #72185533, first use Jan 8, 1964.
Royal trademark "Ensign" #72185534, first use Jan 8, 1964.
Royal trademark "Jubilee" #72187211, first use Feb 11, 1964.
Royal trademark "Windsor" #72187212, first use Feb 14, 1964.
Royal trademark "Crescent" #72187689, first use Feb 10, 1964.
Royal trademark "Pennant" #72187801, first use Feb 7, 1964.
Royal trademark "Herald" #72188033, first use Feb 4, 1964.
Royal trademark "Mustang" #72197987, first use June 16, 1964.
Royal trademark "Educator" #72206652, first use Nov 3, 1964.
Aristocrat re-launched with 'A1' Prefix.
Custom 'CU' Model began.
Caravan 'CR' Model discontinued(?).
|
6,155 |
5958589 |
1965 |
|
|
Royal-McBee Corporation bought and merged into Litton Industries on March 1, 1965.
Royal trademark "Fiesta" #72212701, first use Feb 4, 1965.
Royal trademark "Mercury" #72215010, first use Feb 5, 1965.
|
6,144,155 |
6474796 |
1966 |
|
Litton purchases Imperial Typewriter Co. in England.
Royal trademark "Apollo" #72256972, first use Sept 19, 1966.
Royal trademark "Jupiter" #72272952, first use Sep 15, 1966.
Electric Portable model "Ultronic" introduced 1966 and ends 1968 - it is assumed that these "UE" and "FR-UE" prefix serials follow the portables series rather than the Royal Standards/Electric series or the Halberg series (this model has some relation mechanically to the Halberg). Reason? Because it's the only series that fits given that date range and known examples.
|
6,144,155 |
6910000 |
1967 |
|
|
Approximation. |
60 |
7260000 |
1968 |
|
Approximation. Safari 'SA' Model becomes Sabre 'SB' model (made in Portugal). Aristocrat discontinued.
Litton purchases Triumph-Adler in 1968.
|
60,144 |
7590000 |
1969 |
Approximation.
Royal closes its Springfield portable typewriter plant.
|
144 |
7870000 |
1970 |
Approximation. |
|
8110000 |
1971 |
|
|
Approximation.
Royal trademark "Award Series" #73021018, first use March, 1971.
|
155 |
8350000 |
1972 |
|
|
Approximation. |
|
8570000 |
1973 |
|
Approximation.
Model Custom III prefix 'CB' introduced.
|
|
8970000 |
1974 |
Approximation.
Imperial plant closed down.
|
144 |
9030000 |
1975 |
Approximation.
SB9064581 sold Sept., 1975.
|
|
9070000 |
1976 |
Approximation. |
|
9110000 |
1977 |
|
|
Approximation.
SB9126804 sold June, 1977.
|
|
9160000 |
1978 |
|
|
Approximation. |
|
9190000 |
1979 |
|
|
Approximation.
Royal Sabre is offered by distributors, and first mention is made of new "low-end" Safari model coming in 1980 -
this is the "Messa" ABC-pattern Safari in plastic shell.
Volkswagen purchases TA/Royal from Litton.
|
144 |
9220000 |
1980 |
|
|
Approximation.
Sabre and Custom III offered by distributors along with new ABC-pattern Safari.
|
|
9245000 |
1981 |
|
|
Approximation.
Sabre is dropped from distributor list, and Custom IV introduced. ABC-pattern Safari continues.
|
|
9265000 |
1982 |
|
|
Approximation. |
|
9280000 |
1983 |
|
|
Approximation. |
|
9300000 |
1984 |
|
|
Approximation.
Custom IV dropped from distributor list, leaving only ABC-pattern Safari.
This appears to be the end of the line for the series.
|
60 |
-- |
1985 |
|
|
ABC-Pattern Safari dropped from distributor list,
replaced by "Royal Safari II", a rebranding of a Nakajima design manufactured in Japan.
The "Safari III" was produced by Dong-Ah Precision in Korea on the Silver-Seiko 600 tooling.
Olivetti purchases TA/Royal by 1986.
|
134,144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Portable, Models: E (Signet) - ES (Signet Junior) - J, JC, BJ (Junior) - CD (Companion) - U (Mercury) - D, UR, UB (Varsity) |
1000 |
1932 |
|
"E" Model Signet begins. |
17 |
21500 |
1933 |
|
17 |
24369 |
1934 |
|
"J" Model Junior Begins. |
17 |
33652 |
1935 |
|
Shell redesign model Junior. |
17 |
45013 |
1936 |
|
17 |
52139 |
1937 |
|
17 |
66284 |
1938 |
|
17 |
85734 |
1939 |
|
"U" Model Mercury, "CD" Model Companion and "UB" Model Varsity begin. New shell design. |
17 |
112573 |
1940 |
|
17 |
162970 |
1941 |
|
17 |
232332 |
1942 |
Production ends on March 15th, 1942, as the US enters WWII. |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal (Diana): Diana Portable and Portable Electric, Administrator, Century, Royaluxe 300 and 325
Manufactured by Orga A.G., Nuernberg, Germany, owned by Royal
Platen Diameter: Models Diana, Administrator, Century, Royaluxe 300,325,350,400,425,450: 1.271" (32.3mm)
|
10000-13364 |
1952 |
|
Diana begins. |
13 |
13365-22019 |
1953 |
|
6 |
22020-32143 |
1954 |
|
6 |
32144-37140 |
1955 |
|
6 |
37141-43335 |
1956 |
|
6 |
43336-64700 |
1957 |
|
Administrator begins. |
6 |
64701-81474 |
1958 |
Tooling is transferred to Halberg factory in Cuyk, Holland and machines are assembled there shortly after serial #65000. |
6 |
81475-104310 |
1959 |
|
6 |
104311-111500 |
1959 |
|
6 |
111501-128000 |
1960 |
Series ends around serial #128,000. The Diana design continues in the form of the Century, but the serial numbers are synced to the rest of Halberg production. See below for dating these. |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal (Halberg): Royalite, Eldorado, Dart, Signet, Companion, Jupiter, Scholastic, Citadel, Keystone, Royalite '64, T-4, Lark, Traveler, Eldorado Deluxe, Cruiser, Parade, Signature 400, Ensign, Royalite '65, Astronaut, Pennant, "590", Crescent, Mustang, Royalite 200, Skylark, Royaluxe 1000.
Made for Royal by Halberg Machinefabriek N. V., Cuyk, Holland. Based on
Halberg Traveller design.
Platen Diameter: Models Royalite & Dart: 1.259" (32mm)
|
50000 and up - 3000001-3160000 |
1955 |
|
Serial numbering for Halberg Royal models starts at 50k using up Halberg serialed frames, then series jump to 3 million to follow normal Royal portable series.
Models with non-removable bottom plates:
Royalite (dark & light gray) starts #RL50000
Eldorado (black & gold bronze) starts #E50000
|
24,168,169 |
3160001-3385300 |
1956 |
|
24 |
3385301-3730500 |
1957 |
After Serial #3421600, new designs are introduced. |
24,169 |
3730501-3952180 |
1958 |
|
Models with raised top covers and non-removable bottom plates:
Dart (black wrinkle) starts #D3775001
Models with raised top covers and removable bottom plates:
Parade
|
24,169 |
3952181-4280765 |
1959 |
|
24 |
4280766-4544659 |
1960 |
|
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
Signet [with bichrome] (light gray, blue, green) starts #B4536636
|
24,169 |
4544660-4927715 |
1961 |
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
Forward 1 [with bichrome] (light gray wrinkle, blue wrinkle, beige wrinkle) starts #F4720270
|
6,24,169 |
4927716-5292116 |
1962 |
Models with non-removable bottom plates:
Companion (metallic gray) starts #C5147742
Models with raised top covers and non-removable bottom plates:
Signet
Royalite 120
Scholastic (solid blue) starts #T2-5094590
Citadel (pottery blue) starts #CT5236667
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
Cruiser [with bichrome, no tab] (pottery blue) starts #CS5228097
|
6,169 |
5292117-5743811 |
1963 |
|
|
Models with non-removable bottom plates:
Jupiter (SCM blue) starts #G5365629
Models with raised top covers and non-removable bottom plates:
Keystone (light gray wrinkle) starts #KT5760732
Models with removable bottom plates:
Royalite '64 [with bichrome] (sand, sunbeam) starts #4L5415953
Models with raised top covers and removable bottom plates:
Royalite
T-4 [with bichrome] (solid blue) starts #T4-5560975
Lark [with bichrome] (beige) starts #L5530213
Traveler [with bichrome] (blue) starts #5731705
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
Eldorado Deluxe [with bichrome] (silver) starts #ED5616858
Parade [with bichrome and Tab] (safary gray, safary blue, safary red) starts #PR5661603
Signature 400 [with bichrome and Tab] (gray wrinkle, blue wrinkle) starts #5615805
|
6,169 |
5743812-6098916 |
1964 |
|
|
Models with removable bottom plates:
Ensign (metallic grey) starts #EN5981345
Models with raised top covers and non-removable bottom plates:
Companion
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
Royalite '65 (sand) starts #5L5970527
Astronaut [with bichrome and Tab] (safary blue) starts #AN6068192
Cruiser [with bichrome and Tab] (safary blue) starts #CS5965642
|
6,169 |
6098917-6580453 |
1965 |
|
Models with removable bottom plates:
Pennant (black) starts #P6103321
Companion (light gray) starts #C6141909
Deluxe models with removable bottom plates:
"590" [with bichrome and Tab] (light gray wrinkle) starts #R6122670
Crescent [with bichrome and Tab] (safary gray, safary blue) starts #CE6186461
Mustang [with bichrome and Tab] (safary blue) starts #M6204838
PRL models (tan) starts #6L6535993:
Royalite (USA)
Royalite 200 (international)
PRLP models (white, black) starts #64114312:
Skylark (USA)
Royaluxe 1000 (international)
|
6,169 |
6580454-6800000 |
1966 |
|
|
|
6 |
6800001-7100000 |
1967 |
|
|
Approximation.
PRL models (tan) starts #6L6535993:
Eldorado Deluxe (USA)
|
169 |
7100001-7400000 |
1968 |
|
|
Approximation
|
|
7400000-up |
1969 |
|
|
Approximation
PRLP models (white, black)
Lark (USA)
In 1969, when Royal McBee purchases Triumph/Adler, the Cuyk factory switches to producing Adler-pattern portables based on the Tippa S.
|
168,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal (Silver Seiko):
Mercury, Mustang, Apollo, Signet, Sprite, Swinger, Fleetwood, Ranger, etc.
|
|
1965-1974 |
|
Manufactured by Silver Seiko in Japan for Royal starting in 1965 after merger into Royal-McBee and Imperial in 1966 after merger with Litton. These serial numbers are datecoded. The first numeral in the serial number is the final number in the year manufactured - example 7 = 1967.
See: Royal (Silver Seiko).
|
144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal (Triumph/Adler)
Sahara, Caravan.
|
|
1975-1979 |
|
Manufactured by Triumph/Adler in Holland for Royal and Imperial after T/A purchased by Litton in July, 1974.
Based on Adler Tippa S portable, and follows same series.
|
151 |
below 10110300 |
1975 |
|
|
|
30 |
10110300 |
1976 |
|
|
|
30 |
10181175 |
1977 |
|
|
|
30 |
10430001 |
1978 |
|
|
|
30 |
10679101 |
1979 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal (Messa)
Safari, etc.
|
|
1980-1984 |
|
Manufactured by Messa in Portugal for Royal and Imperial. Based on
ABC portable design.
See: Royal (Messa).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Safari II
|
|
1985-1987 |
|
Manufactured by Nakajima in Japan for TA/Royal. Based on Nakajima ALL 8000 portable design.
These serial numbers are datecoded, where the first numeral is the final digit of the year manufactured. Example: 6 = 1986.
See: Nakajima ALL.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Safari III
|
|
1988-1989 |
|
Manufactured by Dong-AH in Korea for TA/Royal. Based on larger Silver-Seiko portable design.
See: Dong-AH Precision.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Safari IV
|
|
1989-1990 |
|
Manufactured by Typewriters Works Plovdiv in Bulgaria for TA/Royal.
Based on Silver-Seiko 700 portable design via Maritsa 30.
See: Typewriters Works.
|
144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Roytype by Royal" ME25 Extra
|
|
2008-ish |
|
Manufactured by Ideal (Jinan) Machinery Co. Ltd. in China under Royal branding for Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc.
Mechanically based on Brother JP-7 design originally manufactured in Japan.
Also sold as Generation 3000, Rover 5000, and Olivetti MS25 Premier.
Sold mainly via catalog outlets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Scrittore
|
|
2011-2013 |
|
Manufactured by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company in China under Royal branding for Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc.
Mechanically based on Brother JP-7 design originally manufactured in Japan.
Sold mainly via catalog outlets.
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Scrittore II
|
|
2012-2013 |
|
Manufactured by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company in China under Royal branding for Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc.. Mechanically based on
Silver-Seiko 700 design originally manufactured in Japan. Sold mainly via catalog outlets,
and also sold as Olympia Traveller C and Rover Traveller C.
These can be dated by reading the first 4 digits of the serial number as 2-digit Month/Year datecode.
Example: 0912xxxxxx is September, 2012.
|
113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Epoch
|
|
2013-2017 |
|
Manufactured by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company in China under Royal branding for Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc.. Based on
Olympia Carina (Nakajima ALL 8000) design originally manufactured in Japan. Sold mainly via catalog outlets.
These can be dated by reading the first 4 digits of the serial number as 2-digit Month/Year datecode.
Example: 0815xxxxxx is August, 2015.
|
113 |
|
2017-2021 |
|
Grey shell color introduced. Confirmed to have still been manufactured in 2021, and may still be produced.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Classic
|
|
2019 |
|
Manufactured by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company in China under Royal branding for Royal Consumer Information Products, Inc. Mechanics based on
Olympia Carina (Nakajima ALL 8000) design originally manufactured in Japan.
Shell design same as We-R-Memory Keepers "Typecast" sold by Michael's stores in 2016-2018,
except shell is now metal rather than plastic, and ribbon cover is shaped so that most of the typing line is obscured. Available finishes in Black, Teal, Red and Purple.
These can be dated by reading the first 4 digits of the serial number as 2-digit Month/Year datecode.
Example: 0119xxxxxx is January, 2019.
|
152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|