Every bit as charming as the Royal Junior, is the Royal Model "O" series portable type-writer. Another Depression era machine, the Model "O"--also known as the "Standard" portable--was a step up in terms of features and functioning from the "minimalist" machines. Lacking on this machine, was a tabulator. Other than that, it had most of the features that Royal would put into its mainline portables for the next twenty years, including Royal's famous touch selector, which had been available on office machines since the introduction of the Royal No. 10. Ours, with serial number O-6696l2, dates to l937. As you may have guessed, the intial letter in the serial number is indicative of the model or series. Perhaps the most attractive feature of this machine is its high gloss, black lacquer finish, which is what caught our eye and motivated us to acquire our example which is in exceptional condition, both aesthetically and mechanically.

Pushing back the paper table reveals the manually set margin stops, which are also visible from the rear of the machine. Although somewhat hard to see, one can also note the single piece feed roller at the back of the machine, ensuring that paper will feed into the machine straight almost every time--a definite improvement over the inferior, and definitely insane, Remington design.

The Standard portable came with a type cleaning brush and fingering chart (see photo at left) which could be folded and attached to the key board to aid the novice typist in learning touch typing (see photo at right). Although these charts are an interesting accessory and collectible type-writer ephemera, it is our opinion that using them would have been more trouble and obstruction than they are worth. For one thing, we fail to see how the chart could have stayed on the machine while one banged the keys and threw the carriage return lever. Moreover, approximately one fourth of the key board is rendered unusable at the same time.

The aesthetics and ergonomics of this machine are exceptional, with all controls placed in easy access for the typist. Note the position of the touch control above the center of the key board in the middle photo above. Ribbon controls flank the touch selector. The styling and color of the Conservatory's machine are exquisite, making typing an authentic writing experience combining tactile and visual pleasure. On a quality Royal portable, you'll never find yourself typing more, but enjoying it less (unfortunately, we can't say the same for the "minimalist" Depression era machines). Clicking any of our photos will produce a larger image for your viewing pleasure.

Buying agent(s) of the Conservatory found this machine in eastern Pennsylvania in August of '06. Agents of the Conservatory are always on the look-out for new machines to add to the Conservatory's collection. If you have a machine to sell, or even to donate, contact us via the address found on the introductory page under "Home." We may be interested, but this offer is not a commitment to buy your machine. It may be that we are not interested in your model, or we already have an example, or, from prior shopping excursions, we are out of funds. The latter happens more often than not.