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1977 Brother Valiant 413 Nagoya, Japan • Original Case • Instruction Booklet The Machine
Some typewriters try to disappear into the room. This one was never interested in that.
Finished in vivid red with black keys, silver trim, matching red control keys, and a molded black carrying case, the Brother Valiant 413 has all the confidence of late-1970s industrial design. It is cheerful without becoming gimmicky, practical without ever feeling plain, and looks every bit as energetic today as it must have on a stationery shop shelf nearly fifty years ago.
Built by Brother Industries in Nagoya, Japan, this Valiant 413 belongs to the company\'s capable JP7 family of portables. Dating from August 1977 by its serial number, it combines compact dimensions with genuinely useful writing features, making it a machine that is just as enjoyable to use as it is to admire.
Bench Notes
This machine has been cleaned, checked, and tested before listing. Its principal functions were operating properly before shipment, and it will receive a final inspection before leaving the bench.
I generally prefer to preserve a machine\'s honest working character rather than over-detail every hidden corner. Some ordinary dust and age remain visible inside the body, but the focus has been on making the machine pleasant to use while representing it accurately.
Typing Feel
Brother\'s portable machines have a knack for feeling light without feeling flimsy, and the Valiant 413 is an excellent example. The action is quick, crisp, and orderly, with a short, efficient stroke that encourages an easy rhythm. Whether you\'re writing letters, keeping a journal, or simply enjoying an afternoon away from a screen, it feels like a machine that wants to help rather than get in the way.
Condition
Cosmetically, this Brother presents very well. The textured red finish retains its rich satin appearance, while the black-and-silver front badge still gives the machine a wonderfully period face. Light scuffs, small marks, and the ordinary signs of careful handling are present throughout, and the black keys show the gentle shine expected from decades of use.
The bright red tab and automatic repeat spacer remain two of the machine\'s most charming details, adding just enough color to make the controls feel playful without sacrificing the clean overall design. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Included
The sale includes the Brother Valiant 413, its original molded carrying case, the original Japanese-language Brother Valiant instruction booklet, and an installed ribbon.
The instruction booklet is a particularly welcome survivor. It identifies the Valiant family, illustrates the machine\'s controls, and helps preserve a little of the experience of purchasing the typewriter when it was new.
The carrying case retains its handle, latches, and interior retaining hooks. It shows the expected scuffs, rub marks, and storage wear, particularly around the handle and exterior surfaces, but continues to present the machine beautifully and secures it properly for storage and transport.
Curious How It Types?
I\'m happy to provide a short typed sample by request—a sentence or two of your choosing, within reason—so you can see the actual imprint, alignment, and ribbon performance before purchase. If you have a preference for black, black-and-red, or blue ribbon, let me know before shipment and I\'ll install whichever I have available.
Shipping
Buyer-paid UPS shipping. The machine will be immobilized, packed with serious care for modern parcel shipping, and fully insured.
Please Read Before Purchase
This is a vintage mechanical typewriter, carefully tested and described according to its condition before shipment. It will be packed with serious care and fully insured. Because these machines are often 50–100 years old, minor adjustment may occasionally be needed after transit, even when properly packed. Slight alignment variance, ribbon behavior, or small mechanical quirks can be part of vintage typewriter ownership. Please review the photos and condition notes closely, and feel free to ask questions before purchase.
