The well-known Japanese manufacturer Brother began making small portable typewriters in the early 1960's, having already established an excellent reputation as a sewing machine manufacturer.  It is no surprise then, that they quickly gained a reputation for making excellent quality typewriters too.  Of the three main Japanese typewriter manufacturers, Brother was always regarded as a 'cut above' the others.  This Brother DeLuxe 850TR  probably represents the pinnacle of their production, from a time when they were working hard to imitate the best quality German machines.

 

The Brother 850 TR wants for nothing in the way of features. As well as a 44-character keyboard with full 'touch control', it has a pre-set tabulator (handy for column work and indented paragraphs) and a repeating spacebar which imitates that on an electric typewriter.  There is a Black/Red/Stencil ribbon control and a fold-up paper support.  This particular model appears to have had very light usage, and bar a couple of small marks on the lid of the carry case would pass for brand new.  A true 'time warp' machine !  Thanks to the large quantity of these and similar typewriters having been sold over a nearly 30-year period, the ribbon to fit this typewriter is still readily available in three colours.

 

The perfect gift for someone who likes vintage but still needs a fully practical typewriter - or simply treat yourself !

 

 

.PRICE £245