This is a gorgeous 1962 Royal Futura 800 manual typewriter that was manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut, by the Royal Typewriter Company and designed by Laird F. Covey (serial no. 2A5008785). In appearance, features, and functionality, this Futura typewriter is in MINT condition. It has been well-kept, preserved, and protected for 58 years.

The most obvious feature is the sumptuous two-tone "salmon pink" & "mist gray" color and svelte aerodynamic shape. The Futura 800 carrying case is bound in custom-fitted faux leather and includes a Royal-branded case key, with an internal felt lining to mute typing noise. Behind the paper table, it features a retractable V-shaped paper guide that allows for easy viewing of work in progress. This machine has four durable hard-rubber feet to allow for safe, upright storage.

Famous users of the Royal Futura include U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Belgian novelist Marguerite Yourcenar. It was also featured in the 2011 period film 'The Help'. Now, that's what we like to call an iconic typewriter!

The Futura has aluminum body panels, reducing the carrying weight to 22 pounds, which provide rust protection. In addition to the aluminum body panels, the Futura has a corrugated steel front panel and welded steel internals and frame. The white keys are plastic and designed in the popular 'tombstone' style. Two red 'Magic Margin' buttons are located on top of the carriage and, on this 800 model, 'tab set' and 'tab clear' keys are found on the front panel. A plastic red 'Royal' logo on the front panel doubles as the push-button latch control to open the top of the machine that allows access to the ribbon and internal controls. The Futura has four rubber feet to hold the typewriter in place, an acrylic paper table, and a steel carriage-return lever.

The typeface on this machine is Merit, which is a proprietary Royal typeface, at 10 characters per inch. It features an American 44-key (48 character set) full-keyboard. Other important design features include a 'Carriage Lock Lever' to protect the typewriter during travel by centering and immobilizing the carriage; a 'Ribbon Color Selector' that can be switched from black or red ribbon to stencil; 'Segment Shift', which allows for the character basket rather than the carriage to move when the shift key is pressed; and a 'Clear Writing Line' that permits an unobstructed character view while typing.

This typewriter is in mint shape both cosmetically and mechanically, and fully functional down to the sweet-sounding bell. A very smooth typer all around! The touch is light and snappy just like other Royals of the era, and it would be a joy to type with for long periods of writing. Universal ribbons fit the Futura 800 (a huge plus). For your convenience, a fresh new bichrome (Roytype Twin-Pak) ribbon has been installed for immediate use.

If you're looking for a gorgeous typewriter that's also easy to use, maintain, and can used heavily or frequently, then this is a stellar choice.