How to identify old typewriters
Old typewriter identification starts with brand, model, serial number, mechanism, case, keys, and condition.
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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 TypewriterSource blocked; provenance matched | Auctions at Showplace | 2025-08-28 | 267 | USD 200 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Vintage Royal Portable TypewriterSource blocked; provenance matched | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2026-01-10 | 2093 | USD 45 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Antique Royal Standard Model Number 10 TypewriterSource blocked; provenance matched | Hill Auction Gallery | 2024-08-28 | 71 | USD 100 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Aqua TealSource blocked; provenance matched | Ace Of Estates | 2024-01-28 | 124065 | USD 160 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
1926 Royal Portable Typewriter w/ Hard Travel CaseSource blocked; provenance matched | Terri Peters & Associates | 2026-04-25 | 574 | USD 200 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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ROYAL STANDARD VINTAGE TYPEWRITERSource blocked; provenance matched | Sarasota Auction | 2015-03-21 | 725 | USD 10 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Vintage Royal portable typewriter in case. Very good condition.Source blocked; provenance matched | Link Auction Galleries | 2024-04-05 | 301 | USD 70 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Royal TypewriterSource blocked; provenance matched | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2024-08-14 | 311 | USD 15 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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1930s ROYAL TYPEWRITERSource blocked; provenance matched | Charleston Estate Auctions | 2023-01-29 | 298 | USD 60 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Antique Royal Portable Typewriter - with carry case, black enamelled. Box is 32.5cm longSource blocked; provenance matched | Bargain Hunt Auctions | 2023-02-23 | 5013 | AUD 170 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
ROYAL 200 VINTAGE PORTABLE TYPEWRITERSource blocked; provenance matched | Albion Antique Auction Centre | 2021-07-08 | 581 | AUD 30 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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.
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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