Hetchins Vade Mecum help

[Pedalitis]

I recently bought a Hetchins Vade Mecum from Dave Kirk in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Dave tells me he bought it a year or two ago from someone called Nigel, based in Oxfordshire, and that the bike is on the Hetchins register. I'm trying to trace some of its history which Dave had but has mislaid.

The serial number is indistinct - as shown in one of the photographs. It looks like H25738 or H25798. I think it is 1957 bike?

Does anybody recognise the bike or can anyone offer any more information on it?

I've contacted the editor of the Hetchins site but not had any reply as yet.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Losgaintir]

Interesting,
He is selling another Hetchins, also with mislaid paperwork and unsure about its age?

 

[Pedalitis]

I don't have any concerns about that - he bought both bikes from the same person and mislaying paperwork is something I do all the time! If anything, the bike was better than advertised with mostly original or at least period components, right down to the Renolds chain. I am confident that Dave is a genuine seller and he advertised the bike as 1957 -which accords with one of the online list. I'm just curious to find out more about the bike. It's nice to have a bit of history and I would like to confirm the frame number.

 

[Excel]

try Len Ingram the marque specialist in the VCC he should be able to give some background info.

Griff

 

[Losgaintir]

Re:

Not a good idea as I believe he passed away a few weeks ago

 

[Jamiedyer]

Try Hilary Stone as I believe he has all the old sales ledgers and delivery notes.

Jamie

 

[mdvineng]

i'd go for it ending in 98

 

[Pedalitis]

Thanks everyone - and I think it's most likely 98 at the end. I've now had a reply from the editor of Hetchins.org. I don't have a definitive answer but will post it here when I do.