The Royal No. 10 is one of the best-known American “standard” office typewriters. It was introduced in the 1910s and remained popular through the 1920s and 1930s, with many small design revisions along the way. For appraisal purposes, most owners are trying to answer three questions:
- Is it really a Royal 10? (not a later Royal Standard, Royal KMM, or a portable)
- How rare is this configuration? (especially an extended carriage and intact glass side panels)
- What is the right value? (quick-sale vs. retail vs. insurance replacement)
The short version: a common, unrestored Royal standard typewriter can sell for modest amounts, but uncommon configurations (wide carriage, special finishes, provenance, or exceptionally clean examples) can move into a much higher collector bracket.
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Appraisal value range for a 1930s Royal #10
For a Royal 10, value depends heavily on (1) carriage width, (2) mechanical condition, and (3) completeness (intact glass panels, ribbon covers, paper table, crisp decals). Use these ranges as a starting point:
| Scenario | Typical range (USD) | What pushes it higher |
|---|---|---|
| Non-working / parts machine | $25–$125 | Unusual accessories, rare keyboard layout |
| Working but cosmetically worn | $150–$350 | Clean decals, smooth escapement, good platen |
| Collector-grade standard carriage | $350–$600 | Recent servicing, intact glass sides, provenance |
| Extended / wide carriage in strong condition | $600–$800+ | Documented rarity, pristine finish, original paperwork |
These are market-facing ranges (what a willing buyer may pay). For insurance replacement, an appraiser often uses a higher figure that reflects sourcing a comparable example at retail.
Identification: what makes a Royal 10 a “Royal 10”
Royal’s model names can be confusing because “Royal” is both the brand and part of many later model names. The Royal 10 is a full-size standard machine with a heavy cast frame, exposed typebar basket, and a carriage that rides above the keyboard.
- Glass side panels (early/collectible variants): look for beveled glass windows on the sides.
- Royal decals: gold-toned branding and model markings on the paper table and body.
- Ribbon spool covers and paper table present: missing trim often lowers value.
- Wide carriage: measure the writing line and overall carriage travel to confirm the “extended carriage” claim.
Dating a Royal 10 (1920s vs. 1930s cues)
Royal introduced the 10 in 1914 and continued making variants for years. Most owners date their machine by combining serial number information with observable features (decals, key legends, carriage rails, and glass/no-glass side panels).
- Locate the serial number plate (often on the frame under/behind the carriage area).
- Record carriage width and any special tags (export layouts, unusual tabulator setups).
- Compare to reputable Royal serial lists and reference manuals.
If you’re unsure, photos of the serial plate + full machine are usually enough for an expert to place it into a reasonable production window.
Condition checklist that actually changes value
For typewriters, buyers pay for function first. Cosmetics matter, but only after the machine types cleanly. When you document condition, prioritize these areas:
Mechanical
- Keyboard action: keys return promptly; no sticking typebars.
- Escapement: carriage advances evenly; no skipping/double-spacing.
- Platen: not rock-hard or cracked; paper feeds without tearing.
- Ribbon & vibrator: lifts/returns correctly; spools turn.
- Margins + tabs: margins lock; tabulator sets and clears.
Cosmetic / completeness
- Glass panels: intact, not replaced, no major chips or fogging.
- Decals: crisp branding and pinstriping raise display value.
- Nickel plating: pitting and rust lower collector appeal.
- Missing parts: ribbon covers, paper table, feet, and knobs are value killers.
Extended carriage: why it matters (and how to confirm it)
Wide-carriage standards were built for spreadsheets, ledgers, and special office forms. They’re less common than standard-width machines and tend to be more desirable when complete.
To confirm an extended carriage, don’t rely on “it looks wide” in photos. Measure:
- Writing line capacity (characters per line, approximate)
- Maximum carriage travel (left margin to right margin distance)
- Overall carriage width (end-to-end)
If your machine is wide-carriage and also has intact glass side panels, it usually belongs in a higher appraisal bracket.
Auction comparables (comps) from recent sales
Auction results are a useful reality check. Royal standards and portables can trade cheaply when untested, but exceptional examples can surprise—especially special finishes or rare variants.
At the top of the market, a specialist sale can be dramatically higher when the machine has a premium finish or unusual story. One example from the dataset: Auction Team Breker (Oct 12, 2019) Lot 136 “Royal Quiet Deluxe Gilt-Finish Typewriter, 1948” — hammer €1,800. That isn’t a Royal 10, but it’s a helpful comp because it shows how rarity + presentation can change buyer behavior.
How to sell a Royal 10 (without leaving money on the table)
Royal standards are heavy to ship, and shipping damage is common. The best strategy depends on your goal:
- Fastest cash: local pickup on Marketplace/Craigslist with clear typing sample photos.
- Best collector reach: specialty typewriter groups and reputable online dealers/collectors.
- Highest confidence: use an appraisal + condition report so buyers trust the listing.
If you ship, lock the carriage, immobilize moving parts with soft supports, and double-box. Many “cheap” sales happen because sellers can’t risk packing a 40–60 lb machine.
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Document your typewriter for coverage
If your Royal 10 is a display piece, insurance values often require photos, measurements, and a written replacement rationale.
Document for insurance →Search variations collectors ask
Readers often Google:
- how much is a Royal No. 10 typewriter worth
- Royal 10 typewriter serial number lookup
- how to date a Royal 10 typewriter from the 1930s
- what is an extended carriage typewriter
- Royal 10 glass side panels value
- Royal typewriter wide carriage appraisal
- how to sell a heavy antique typewriter locally
- Royal 10 typewriter insurance appraisal value
Each question is answered in the valuation guide above.
References
- Royal No. 10 instruction manual (archived PDF): https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Royal10.pdf
- Auction dataset: /mnt/srv-storage/auctions-data/vintage-typewriters (Ripley Auctions 2025-01-21 Lot 3761 $40; Bargain Hunt Auctions 2023-01-11 Lot 7613 $130).
- Auction dataset: /mnt/srv-storage/auctions-data/antique-typewriters (McGrath Auctions 2016-03-05 Lot 92 $100; Auction Team Breker 2019-10-12 Lot 136 €1,800).