The only Royals that were marketed more in line with the Kirby were the Electro-Hygiene premium models. Usually these had red bags and trim.
In fact, there was one breed of a Royal metal upright that had a completely removable head a la the Kirby: model 888 (Royal) and 980 (Electro-Hygiene), plus the short-lived 990 (Galaxie Prestige, sold alongside the 980).
On all Royal/Electro-Hygiene metal uprights with the pigtail cord, there was a special portable handle available, which had its own cord and smaller bag. This was part of the No. 368 Extra Equipment Kit, which was sold through about 1985.
The 990 was discontinued after 1976, while the 888/980 hung on through about 1983.
~Ben
