Sheaffer introduced the Touchdown ink filling system in 1949 after a long run of their plunger/vacuum filling system. You can tell that this Valiant was produced that first year because in 1950 all the Touchdown pen models were replaced with the much thinner TM models (TM stands for thin model). These “fat” Touchdown pens are pretty awesome because the thicker girth makes them easier to handle.
The Valiant model has Sheaffer’s awesome conical “Triumph” nib which I think is the most beautiful nib around.
