Claud Butler Frame Numbers (Again !)

[VeloFellow54]

Trying to pin down frame numbers for Claud Butler machines for the period immediately following the Holdsworth take over. I have recently acquired frame number 2533 which I date from approx. 1958-60. This number does not fit at all with the Holdsworth numbers from this period (5 figure) or with the number system that Claud used up to closure in '56. Can anyone help please ?

 

[CBguy]

In the Holdsworthy Claud era Clauds always maintained their own numbering systems until 1976 when both brands were under the same 6 digit system.

Perhaps relative to your frame, and as stated in the Lightweights Cycle Catalogues Vol 1, after the early 60's Claud numbers were "issued in rotation with no code for the year" (as previous years). As far as I can tell from examples I have seen, this applies at least to the years '63 and '64. The largest number I have seen in these years is 5213. See: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=361188

Is it possible your frame #2533 would fit for a c. '63-'64? Any idea of model? Details, pics of frame?

 

[VeloFellow54]

Apologies !A long time getting round this one !
Too many bikes in the workshop - never enough time

The frame is a Cordon Bleu - no question.
72 deg parallel - no pump pegs - no lamp fitting on the forks (no other model fits this specification)
This one has Simplex rear drop outs although someone has cut off the Campag 'hanger'
The early Holdsworth examples of this model had Agrati rear drop outs (as per my 1959/60 Holdsworth Hurricane) so I suspect that it is a little later - perhaps 61/62 ?
I am surprised that there is little information on the frame numbers for CB after Holdsworth acquired the name. According to Kilgariff CB machines were outselling Holdsworth machines at a rate of 3: 1 during this period. Did they start CB with number 1 back in 1959 ? Must be possible to get an idea on the numbering system and dates.