In the old days, writers used to sit in front of a typewriter and stare out of the window. Nowadays, because of the marvels of convergent technology, the thing you type on and the window you stare out of are now the same thing.
—Douglas Adams
In a recent article about collecting fine examples of vintage typewriters, Christie’s—the auction house—reported that after finishing his first James Bond book, Casino Royale, Ian Fleming ordered a gold-plated Royal Quiet De Luxe. To avoid paying a duty on the purchase he asked a friend to smuggle it back England from America.
I have a fondness for old typewriters. If you do, too, I think you’ll enjoy this short read: Reverting to type.
And about Fleming’s 1953 gold-plated Royal, it cost him $174. He asked his friend to smuggle it to England on the Queen Elizabeth. To hide it from customs officials, Fleming suggested that his friend wrap it in furs.
I have one of these exact 1953 Royal Gold portable typewriters that can be seen at:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/80687-rare-royal-1953-quiet-deluxe-gold-portab
What a great story. So cool that you have one. Thanks for sharing!