How to identify old typewriters
Old typewriter identification starts with brand, model, serial number, mechanism, case, keys, and condition.
Found an old item and want to know if it matters?
Upload photos. We identify the object, check real sales, and show the right appraisal path.
Upload photos for a free first lookAntique appraisalsStart an appraisalOne clear answer
Start with the front logo, rear plate, serial number, keyboard, carriage, case, decals, and mechanical condition.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, completeness, size, rarity, and demand can materially change value.
Identification checklist
- Photograph the whole item, maker mark, patent date, serial number, model, labels, all sides, and damage.
- Measure key dimensions and show scale, accessories, cases, boxes, attachments, or missing parts.
- Do not clean, repaint, sharpen, oil, or force mechanisms before documenting current condition.
What changes the answer
- Maker, model, material, size, completeness, and condition change the answer.
- Original surface, marks, serial numbers, labels, cases, and accessories can be important.
- Rust, missing parts, unsafe mechanisms, repainting, and over-cleaning can reduce value or trust.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific royal typewriter.
Shown USD range: USD 10-USD 200. Median of these 9 USD examples: USD 70.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Royal "Quiet Deluxe" Portable Typewriter | Auctions at Showplace | 2025-08-28 | 267 | USD 200 |
 |
Vintage Royal Portable Typewriter | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2026-01-10 | 2093 | USD 45 |
 |
Antique Royal Standard Model Number 10 Typewriter | Hill Auction Gallery | 2024-08-28 | 71 | USD 100 |
 |
Vintage Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Aqua Teal | Ace Of Estates | 2024-01-28 | 124065 | USD 160 |
 |
1926 Royal Portable Typewriter w/ Hard Travel Case | Terri Peters & Associates | 2026-04-25 | 574 | USD 200 |
 |
ROYAL STANDARD VINTAGE TYPEWRITER | Sarasota Auction | 2015-03-21 | 725 | USD 10 |
 |
Vintage Royal portable typewriter in case. Very good condition. | Link Auction Galleries | 2024-04-05 | 301 | USD 70 |
 |
Royal Typewriter | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2024-08-14 | 311 | USD 15 |
 |
1930s ROYAL TYPEWRITER | Charleston Estate Auctions | 2023-01-29 | 298 | USD 60 |
 |
Antique Royal Portable Typewriter - with carry case, black enamelled. Box is 32.5cm long | Bargain Hunt Auctions | 2023-02-23 | 5013 | AUD 170 |
 |
ROYAL 200 VINTAGE PORTABLE TYPEWRITER | Albion Antique Auction Centre | 2021-07-08 | 581 | AUD 30 |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
Free instant estimate
Not sure if your item is worth appraising? Let us take a look.
Upload a photo, tell us what you know, and get a free first read. If a full appraisal makes sense, we will say so.
Free. No card needed. Takes about two minutes.
Need a clearer identification answer?
Upload photos. Appraisily identifies the item, checks real sales where available, and shows whether a free screen or professional report makes sense.
Upload photos for a free first lookStart a professional appraisalSee a sample report