1948 Holdsworth La Quelda, Bill Hurlow stamped, completely original :)

[fiveSixteenths]

Well, was pipped to the eBay post on this but the buyer very kindly gave me first refusal if he decided he was going to pass it on.
Que two months later and now it has a new owner. Which I think makes me just the third.
Last owner began stripping it down to clean and very, very gently polish as the frame and fork paintwork - while showing its 73 years - is incredibly amazing. Box lining is lovely. So nothing to touch there, leaving that exactly as it is.
The wheel set is likely shot but will have a better look if it can be rescued. Maybe a new spokes rebuild. High-flange hubs, can’t see any stamps on the rims yet.
Original bars and Reynolds stem, GB levers, GB Hidumium calipers, Lytaloy headset.
Unfortunately not Allez pedals lol but really nice Durax chainset.
Mansfield saddle and the original seat post and clamp.
So, plan is?
Want to gently restore all the components, reassemble, add cables, tyres, blocks and ride it.

 

[chickendrumsticks]

What a lucky, lovely find! Shall be watching this with interest. I would have gone straight for a respray, but I think you're right with this one to pursue the gentle approach. It'll trigger lots of imterest I'm sure.

 

[Jonny69]

Wow, looks amazingly original. Looks perfect for an oily rag build with all (or at least most) of its original parts. I agree with you that the wheels should have some new spokes. I used modern-gauge double-butted stainless spokes on my 50s Normandy/Fiamme wheelset and they don’t look out of place and have been really reliable. Just check you can get a modern 2mm spoke through the holes in the hub before you buy them though; you don’t really want to sit there enlarging all the holes…

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Thanks both! and for the tips also on spokes. Think a quick trip down to see Ricki at Pankhurst might be an idea also to see what he has lurking in the shop.

 

[chickendrumsticks]

Forgive my ignorance - Bill Hurlow - who he?

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Apparently one the frame building team at Holdsworth - https://www.nkilgariff.com/HoldsModelPages/LaQuelda.htm

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Ha ha, couldn’t resist having a go at it!
Bar tape had turned into a kind of plaster of Paris under the velox type stuff but underneath looks like the Bailey Stratelite bars were chromed.
Managed to get the levers off - one with a cotter-pin bodge-repair so might need a replacement!
Then the stem (which unfortunately is cracked)… virtually welded onto a shim. Lots of gentle persuasion and we’re clear.
Bars are quite marked so am thinking black cloth covering.
That’ll do for now!

 

[Old Ned]

Forgive my ignorance - Bill Hurlow - who he?

One of the great frame builders in the London area. Built all the best Condor frames for several years with beautiful hand cut lugwork. Have a look on Classic Lightweights website for more info.

EDIT - CL info. here -

https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/classic_builders/hurlow-w-b-bill/

 

[chickendrumsticks]

Wow! The man was clearly an artist. Even his lugless work is superb - particularly that grey fastback job - completely flawless. Thanks Old Ned for the info. Now, where can I find me a Condor???

 

[fiveSixteenths]

Today I am mostly very very gently cleaning brakes…