Any clues

[Brilloaul]

Owners wife said this bike has been all over Europe and up the 3 highest mountains in Switzerland. It took a blowtorch to remove the bottom bracket and pedals. All primed for first coat of original green paint. Any information about the model appreciated.
It has chromed forkhead, grease nipple and removable pulley for gear cables on bottom bracket. Possibly 1953.
Thanks
Paul

 

[averagebiker]

Even though that has been painted with emulsion in a shade to match an 1970s salmon bathroom suite it's quality shines through.
I can't help with the model but think it will get fantastic when it is done

 

[Nob]

Well head badge is Claud Butler so it’d be one of there frames but those claud Butler experts on here can narrow down the model, year based on the stamping possibly…

 

[Jonny69]

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/claud-butler-frame-number-identification.392124/
Just in case you haven’t seen this thread.

 

[KermitGKona88]

@Peachy!

 

[Peachy!]

Ok so you need to help us help you.
better photos inserted correctly would help rather than just being attached.
And you’ve posted three number sets without any explanation where they are from. What I can see is 20173, 33491 & 534 2851all look like they are on a steerer tube?
The first two seem to be Holdsworthy numbers and the last set more like a Claud set. (1953 April -2851)
The head badge and frame are definitely 50’s “proper” Claud and by the look of them the forks look pre 1950 but the numbers don’t match.
Also the rear hanger isn’t one I’m familiar with & I’m pretty sure is post 1956.
Time to call in some support… @dwscrimshaw

 

[Peachy!]

Gut feeling by the way, I think it might possibly be a 1953 top of the range Avant Coureur Special judging by the Bi-laminates, with some pre-1950 racing/track forks.
Then at some point in its life it’s had a more modern (60’s?) set of rear drop-outs added.

 

[Brilloaul]

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/claud-butler-frame-number-identification.392124/
Just in case you haven’t seen this thread.

Yes but I’m afraid I’m none the wiser except that it’s 1953 model, which I don’t know.

 

[Peachy!]

Yes but I’m afraid I’m none the wiser except that it’s 1953 model, which I don’t know.

@Brilloaul ???

 

[Brilloaul]

Gut feeling by the way, I think it might possibly be a 1953 top of the range Avant Coureur Special judging by the Bi-laminates, with some pre-1950 racing/track forks that at sometime in its life had a more modern (60’s?) set of drop-outs added.

Yes thanks, that’s what I was thinking but wasn’t too sure but the specs in the catalog agree. Just given it a respay with a close colour match. Waiting for some parts from EBay to get it moving as a single free speed soon.