Royal Empress

Typewriter Video Series Episode 320: Joe and Kevin review a 1962 Royal Empress.

[@markmcgrath4121]

I'm having one of these professionally restored. Very excited to get it back when it's done.

[@babsstevetillett600]

I really enjoy my avocado green example. I recovered the platen and now it works great. The look is really 60s. I even made a color matched rolling typing table to make this machine easier to use. Glad you found a nice example of this fun machine.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Lovely design, in my view. With everything you said, and all considered, I have the impression this might have been made for schools (typing class) or individuals that wanted a more affordable standard as this model would not have been as costly to make as a business typewriter. We'd have to check any ads or commercial litterature for the original price to validate my thoughts. Thanks for sharing! Daniel

[@berniepokorski6608]

I own two of these machines, both were manufactured in 1963. The first one that I acquired is "Fawn Gray" in color with a Pica10 CPI typeface, and the second one that came after it is "Aztec Blue" in color and has the Elite 12 CPI typeface. I believe that AMC may very well have been influenced by the Royal Empress' body style when they designed their AMC Pacer cars.

[@elliotwhite32]

this is my favorite typewrite. mine is robins egg blue and reminds me of the jetsons

[@dianemaher3538]

The Royal HH also has one of those metal feed rollers in the back.

[@loveisall5520]

These machines were so constantly seen in schools back in the sixties. Of course they were just bloated FP's with cheaper keys. I learned on the 440, the successor to this machine, in the late sixties. I sure wish I could find one as clean as this Empress, I'd snap it up immediately. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@johnpjonesch]

Also, author Earl Hamner Jr. Saw a picture of him at his home with this model in the background. He wrote Spencer's Mountain on a 50s QDL.

[@WiseSkies144]

I like the look of the Empress, it's got nice curves. Looks like Kevin got himself a good deal. Yes, I agree that Kevin is going to be missed, I hope he can still make an appearance on your channel from time to time? 🤞

[@susanbrenner900]

My Royal Empress was in pretty ugly smoke stained condition when I got her. I DID paint mine lilac and made a custom Royal logo with flowers for the front 😃🌼 It was the first one in my collection. I love typing on it.

[@Totof59]

Love it ! 60's style is soooo beautiful. I'll see il we could find it here in France !

[@JB-uv4hm]

On Ebay currently are Okuda’s design, drawings, modeling, Royal/Mcbee ppwk, ad work, etc for the Empress.

[@FriedrichWilhelmViktorAlbert]

I have seen one at my local antique store. And I tell ya, that is a fat boy, I mean compared to the machines I'm used to, wow that's a fay boy.

[@brendablomberg8483]

❤️

[@cwmoser]

I picked up one of these at an Auction Sale. Wifey bid and won one of those Aluminum Christmas Trees with a Color Wheel and they were going to throw in the trash a mint Royal Empress Elite. I said I'll take it. Cleaned it up and it really is in mint condition. Had to oil it a bit fixing some sticky hammers. Needs a Ribbon, which one do I need and where can I obtain a new ribbon? Its really a quality machine and visually appealing.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Contact Ribbons Unlimited, either their website or just call up Lanie, he’s very helpful.

[@thethriftyfawn]

Hey Joe- if you don't have one already, would you be able to create a "Joe and Kevin" playlist on your channel, please?

[@rlpnuncius]

Looks like a very nice typewriter. So I have to ask, is Kevin moving permanently to Idaho Falls? If so, he is going to be missed on this channel.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes he is 😞

[@kerc]

I have an Empress, and I like it but I keep thinking that it is basically a KMM with a body that's pretty but a bit too big. Thus I keep going back to the KMM.

[@cfloren]

The Royal FP is a nice mid-point between those two, with the same mechanism, physical size about the same as KMM, but with an updated style and smooth finish appropriate for the late '50s / early '60s. More understated than the Empress for sure. I have one and it might be my favorite machine overall.