Circa 1946 Merlin L'Internationale

[lewisfoto]

Greetings gents.

It has been awhile since I have shared a bicycle here so apologies.

A new bike shop just opened up here in Claremont, California, my hometown. Well so I went by and chatted with the tow young guys who own the place and signed their guest book as a courtesy.

So last week I get a call and they have a customer who wants to sell a Merlin, I say 'great I love titanium'…but before I could finish he says this one is from the 40s.

Now I was mildly aware that there was an English Merlin, but really knew nothing about the brand but I scheduled a visit…

More later but here are a few pics to get you started

 

[bduc61]

quite amusing as I have got a "french cousin" with very similar seatstay top
slightly different front lugs - mine are probably modified EKLA






certainly 1940's
how are your stays ends ? mine are extremely thin
certainly in Vitus tubing and I suspect yours is also in Vitus - the stays have a rather recognizable sort of reinforcement at the chainring level

 

[lewisfoto]

My goodness that is strikingly similar. I looks like you have a fair amount of work ahead but at least it is more or less complete.

 

[bduc61]

Re:

well not really complete ! as this bike was put in "porteur" disguise which does not seem to be its initial purpose !

 

[elPedro666]

Look forward to seeing this progess

 

[lewisfoto]

Look forward to seeing this progess

Thanks, and on the subject here are a few more pics of the frameset.

 

[lewisfoto]

Re: Re:

well not really complete ! as this bike was put in "porteur" disguise which does not seem to be its initial purpose !
]

That looks like a fun project assuming that the post and stem come out.

 

[Mr.Toad]

Re:

Beautiful bike!

I just wanted to add that I recently picked up a pre-ww2 French with full 531 (every tube is stamped) rando with the same chain stay detail as bduc61's.

I will be watching this build closely. Looks fantastic!

 

[Jamiedyer]

That is stunning mate, wow, what a frame.
Will be watching with much interest
What's the plan?

Jamie

 

[lewisfoto]

That is stunning mate, wow, what a frame.
Will be watching with much interest
What's the plan?

Jamie

I am so glad you asked.

The plan is to do a period correct three speed TT bike.