1928 Royal Model P Portable Typewriter • Rare Burgundy Alligator Finish • w/Case
$539.00
Skip to product information
ROYAL MODEL P
1928 • Burgundy Alligator Finish • Original Carrying Case
----------------------------------------
THE MACHINE
This 1928 Royal Model P is remarkable not simply because it is an early portable, but because it survives in Royal's extraordinary Alligator finish. The textured burgundy-and-black surface was designed to resemble reptile hide, giving the machine a richness and visual depth that ordinary black Model Ps simply cannot match. Nearly a century later, the finish still has an unmistakable presence.
Based on its serial number, this machine dates to 1928, near the beginning of Royal's portable typewriter story. The Model P brought Royal's substantial engineering and authoritative writing feel into a compact traveling machine—though "portable" in this era still meant cast metal, glass, nickel, and a reassuring amount of mechanical substance.
This example retains a wonderfully cohesive period appearance. The glass-topped keys, exposed typebasket, ribbon cups, gold Royal decals, and matching burgundy carrying case all belong together naturally. Nothing about the machine feels pieced together or cosmetically reinvented. It remains recognizably—and convincingly—itself.
----------------------------------------
BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of functionality, mechanically inspected, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing and carriage functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included with the machine.
----------------------------------------
TYPING FEEL
The Model P has the firm, deliberate stroke enthusiasts expect from an early Royal portable. The touch is substantial beneath the fingers, pleasantly mechanical, and wonderfully clicky without feeling clumsy. Rather than encouraging speed, it rewards an even rhythm and a confident hand, reminding you that this is very much a writing instrument of the late 1920s.
----------------------------------------
CONDITION
Cosmetically, this machine shows honest age rather than careless neglect. There is visible finish loss along the front edge, corners, lower frame, and several exposed areas of the body, along with smaller chips, rubbing, and general surface wear accumulated over nearly a century of use.
The wear does not overwhelm the machine. The Alligator pattern remains rich across the surfaces that matter most, the gold lettering is unusually vivid, the keyboard is complete, and the overall presentation remains remarkably cohesive. It presents as an authentic survivor rather than a rough project or a heavily restored example.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
----------------------------------------
INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the 1928 Royal Model P, its original fitted Royal carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original burgundy case remains an important part of the ensemble. Its exterior shows substantial rubbing, edge wear, scuffs, and the expected signs of nearly a century of use, but it remains a handsome and appropriate companion to the machine. It should be appreciated as an original survivor rather than a cosmetically pristine accessory.
----------------------------------------
WHO IT'S FOR
This Royal is an especially rewarding choice for collectors drawn to distinctive factory finishes, writers who enjoy the deliberate rhythm of early portables, or anyone seeking a typewriter with enough visual authority to remain a centerpiece even when it is not in use. It is every bit as compelling to look at as it is to write on.
----------------------------------------
TYPED SAMPLE
Curious how this machine types? I'm happy to provide a short typed sample by request—a sentence or two of your choosing, within reason—so you can see the actual imprint, alignment, and ribbon performance before purchase.
----------------------------------------
SHIPPING
The machine will be immobilized, packed with serious care for modern parcel shipping, and fully insured.
----------------------------------------
Please read before purchase: This is a vintage mechanical typewriter, carefully tested and described according to its condition before shipment. It will be packed with serious care and fully insured. Because these machines are often 50–100 years old, minor adjustment may occasionally be needed after transit, even when properly packed. Slight alignment variance, ribbon behavior, or small mechanical quirks can be part of vintage typewriter ownership. Please review the photos and condition notes closely, and feel free to ask questions before purchase.
1928 Royal Model P Portable Typewriter • Rare Burgundy Alligator Finish • w/Case
$539.00
1928 • Burgundy Alligator Finish • Original Carrying Case
----------------------------------------
THE MACHINE
This 1928 Royal Model P is remarkable not simply because it is an early portable, but because it survives in Royal's extraordinary Alligator finish. The textured burgundy-and-black surface was designed to resemble reptile hide, giving the machine a richness and visual depth that ordinary black Model Ps simply cannot match. Nearly a century later, the finish still has an unmistakable presence.
Based on its serial number, this machine dates to 1928, near the beginning of Royal's portable typewriter story. The Model P brought Royal's substantial engineering and authoritative writing feel into a compact traveling machine—though "portable" in this era still meant cast metal, glass, nickel, and a reassuring amount of mechanical substance.
This example retains a wonderfully cohesive period appearance. The glass-topped keys, exposed typebasket, ribbon cups, gold Royal decals, and matching burgundy carrying case all belong together naturally. Nothing about the machine feels pieced together or cosmetically reinvented. It remains recognizably—and convincingly—itself.
----------------------------------------
BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of functionality, mechanically inspected, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing and carriage functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included with the machine.
----------------------------------------
TYPING FEEL
The Model P has the firm, deliberate stroke enthusiasts expect from an early Royal portable. The touch is substantial beneath the fingers, pleasantly mechanical, and wonderfully clicky without feeling clumsy. Rather than encouraging speed, it rewards an even rhythm and a confident hand, reminding you that this is very much a writing instrument of the late 1920s.
----------------------------------------
CONDITION
Cosmetically, this machine shows honest age rather than careless neglect. There is visible finish loss along the front edge, corners, lower frame, and several exposed areas of the body, along with smaller chips, rubbing, and general surface wear accumulated over nearly a century of use.
The wear does not overwhelm the machine. The Alligator pattern remains rich across the surfaces that matter most, the gold lettering is unusually vivid, the keyboard is complete, and the overall presentation remains remarkably cohesive. It presents as an authentic survivor rather than a rough project or a heavily restored example.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
----------------------------------------
INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the 1928 Royal Model P, its original fitted Royal carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original burgundy case remains an important part of the ensemble. Its exterior shows substantial rubbing, edge wear, scuffs, and the expected signs of nearly a century of use, but it remains a handsome and appropriate companion to the machine. It should be appreciated as an original survivor rather than a cosmetically pristine accessory.
----------------------------------------
WHO IT'S FOR
This Royal is an especially rewarding choice for collectors drawn to distinctive factory finishes, writers who enjoy the deliberate rhythm of early portables, or anyone seeking a typewriter with enough visual authority to remain a centerpiece even when it is not in use. It is every bit as compelling to look at as it is to write on.
----------------------------------------
TYPED SAMPLE
Curious how this machine types? I'm happy to provide a short typed sample by request—a sentence or two of your choosing, within reason—so you can see the actual imprint, alignment, and ribbon performance before purchase.
----------------------------------------
SHIPPING
The machine will be immobilized, packed with serious care for modern parcel shipping, and fully insured.
----------------------------------------
Please read before purchase: This is a vintage mechanical typewriter, carefully tested and described according to its condition before shipment. It will be packed with serious care and fully insured. Because these machines are often 50–100 years old, minor adjustment may occasionally be needed after transit, even when properly packed. Slight alignment variance, ribbon behavior, or small mechanical quirks can be part of vintage typewriter ownership. Please review the photos and condition notes closely, and feel free to ask questions before purchase.