1915 Royal Standard Model 5 flatbed

The Royal 5 was the second commercial model produced by the Royal Typewriter Company, not counting the original Royal Grand, which was pulled from the market in 1907. The Model 5 was introduced in 1910, with three successive versions with larger carriages. The standard machine featured a 12" carriage, and came in either Pica or Elite pitches. This machine was eventually replaced by the upright Model 10 in 1914, however the Model 5 stayed in production for a couple more years.

The Number 5 Flatbed features a very similar carriage system found on the Model 10, but the rest of the machine is very different. Two key mechanical differences lie in the ribbon transport system, and the keybed. The ribbon in this machine is driven via the mainspring like the model 10, but uses standard universal spools without the later reversal mechanism. This machine was capable of taking those spools, but did not include auto-reverse, instead the ribbon had to be manually switched when it reached the end. The second major difference is the keybed. Unlike newer models with open keyboard layouts, the flatbed has a completely covered keybed. The keys themselves are mere posts that have two pivot points in them, through those are two wire linkages each. This results in a weird sort of action, the keys tip forwards towards the platen, rather than back, since they aren't on a leaver.

Of course there are numerous differences, such as the line lock which blocks the slugs rather than the key leavers, and the line space placement, but these are negligible differences. The Model 5 is all in all a very fast, well built, and responsive machine. It has a unique touch, and updated features from the Model 1. Mainly it has a standardized backspacer and tab, which were both optional on the Model 1. These features work much the same as they do on newer machines. Another major keyboard update that the Model 10 employed was switching the shift lock and back space. On the Model 5, the shift lock is located on the upper right, while the back spacer is located to the left of the A key. The nice thing about the shift lock, is it locks automatically, meaning you press it and leave it, whereas on some machines like the Model P, one must press it and engage it.

The above Model 5 arrived in whacked out shape. Appears to have been tossed off a desk at some point, with the majority of the carriage frame severely bent, hindering function. Additionally, the right knob was shattered and the drawband was missing. The machine was cosmetically in very good shape leading me to believe that it happened when the machine was fairly new. The decals on the paper table especially were immaculate.

Most of the work I ended up having to do involved dust removal, and bend removal. The rubber was hard, but it all fed paper pretty well once the frame was decently straight. Unfortunately the machine was missing all the tab stops, but everything else was pretty much there.

All the top panels were removed to be polished and to allow for interior cleaning. The keybed panel couldn't be removed without first removing every key from the machine, which I admittedly was far too lazy to do. Instead I cleaned around them and vacuumed out the inside as best as I could.

I was very surprised at how well the machine worked, and how well it polished up once I was done. I knew from bidding on it over on eBay that it was cosmetically okay, but as far as mechanics, it was all very sound aside from the carriage. The only replacement parts it really needed are feet, and I am in the process of acquiring some from the reputable Steve Dade.