A client brought his late uncle's 1927 Royal portable into the workshop this morning (serial number P32950). The machine itself is in almost immaculate condition, though I've never seen such moldy, rotting ribbon. The case is also a mess and glued to the front of it was this wonderful Doonesbury cartoon strip from Garry Trudeau - about Washington Post reporter Rick Redfern being issued with a much-used Royal portable to cover a Jimmy Carter trip to Lagos. To repair the case I had to remove the strip, which was in bits, but with some detective work I was able to track the same one down to 'The Canberra Times' of April 4, 1978, the day before my 30th birthday. This one was part of an hilarious series by Trudeau relating to news coverage of Carter's visit to Nigeria, from March 31-April 3, 1978.
2 comments:
Tracking that Doonesbury strip down to the exact Canberra Times issue is impressive detective work. It's funny how often the case and accessories on a decades old machine end up telling a richer story than the typewriter itself. Moldy ribbon aside, a 1927 Royal portable in that condition is a great survivor. Curious whether you're keeping the cartoon strip or reattaching it once the case is repaired.
These absolute gems! Thank you!
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