1961 Brother Valiant #P 135485
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Heather Hjorth (Weaklink)
Created: 06-25-2023 at 04:28PM
Last Edit: 06-25-2023 at 05:44PM
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Description:
This early made in Japan Brother typewriter came (almost) complete, with its carrying case. Unfortunately, the name plate is the one part that is missing. After looking through the photos of similar machines, I suspect that the lettering and design of the nameplate probably led to it disappearing... 'Brother De Luxe' or 'Brother Valiant' on a nice plastic tag that pops right off has appeal far beyond antique writing device collectors.
This machine has a serial number starting with P, according to the list of serial numbers this means it is an early production from Japan - probably 1961, the first year of manufacture. It has the curved wire paper support typical of early models instead of the single 'switchblade' style of later models.
I like the appearance of the typeface, and the keys are a pleasure to type with as they are smooth and depress easily. The platen snaps up paper like no other machine I've fed. The carriage return folds down easily for storage in the carry case. The only issue is a sluggish return to level after typing a capitol letter. I suspect a previous owner might have used an inappropriate lubricant on the mechanism, causing it to gum up.
On the Brother website , I found a picture of a 1961 JP1-111 that looks like this machine, but I'd love to hear thoughts about the correct model of this Brother machine.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Heather Hjorth (Weaklink)
Heather Hjorth's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 307
I collect a variety of mechanical marvels including accordions, pump organs, and typewriters. In addition to collecting, I enjoy cleaning the machines and learning to perform basic repairs.
My typewriter collection began with a 1950s-era Underwood DeLuxe, purchased in the 1990s. Several decades passed before the typewriter bug bit again. Now I live surrounded by a small army of manual machines, including a Blickenderfer No. 7, a tiny 3 bank Underwood (1923), a Smith-Corona Clipper, a handful of Remingtons, and others.
Typewriters let me commune with the memory of my mother. Mum was an amazing typist - a legal secretary at a white-shoe NYC law firm who could accurately type over 100 wpm. Later in life, she taught middle school - many subjects - but typing was her favorite. Unlike teaching English, there was no pile of unpaid papers to grade. Prior to the advent of word processors, her last typewriter was a hulking beast of an IBM Selectric.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Brother Valiant on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Brother Serial Number page and the Brother Valiant By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
