Royal Quiet De Luxe

History and Basic Info

The Royal Quiet De Luxe (commonly referred to as "QDL") was manufactured by the Royal Typewriter Company from 1939-1957. The model went through 4 different shell designs, and is one of Royal's most common portables available today. This line is the successor to the Royal De Luxe

First Generation: Baby KMMs

First Generation QDLs look very much like baby Royal KMMs. They are often found in black crinkle paint, but a few colored ones do exist. These are not to be confused with "candy QDLs' which came in bright, glossy paint.

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  A repainted Royal QDL owned by Mark Petersen

Second Generation: Dreyfuss QDL

From 1948-49, Royal produced a new generation of QDLs, with a new shell designed by Henry Dreyfuss. "Tombstone" keys were also added. These keys are similar to the ones on the Royal KMG.

Third Generation: '50 and '53 Redesign

In 1950, Royal once again changed the shell of the QDL. In 1953, they redesigned it again, hiding some of the controls on the inside of the hood, and adding a spring loaded ribbon cover, that can be opened by pressing the button on the left side of the front panel. Some QDLs were also equipped with a mainspring tension adjuster.

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  A QDL owned by Nathan S

Candy QDLs

Candy QDLS are recognisable by their bright, glossy paint colors. They were first introduced in 1955, and ran until 1957. These are not to be confused with later QDLs, as these have regular silver "Royal" nameplates, and the late model ones have red "Royal" nameplates.

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  A Candy Royal QDL owned by Mark Petersen. Note the silver logo

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Common Issues

Royal QDLs are usually solid machines. However, they are somewhat sensitive to rust, especially the later models. If you experience regular skipping, you probably have a chipped or broken starwheel. Watch out for that when purchasing.

Manuals

• 1941 Manual
• 1948 Manual
• 1952 Manual

(All of these are from Richard Polt's site)