Holdsworth Frame Numbers

[CBguy]

Anidel

I actually emailed Steve at H Lloyd's couple days ago to see if he had any clue re time line for Bonderized decal. Maybe not, but worth a try.

I would think that if back in the 30's the process of coslettization or rust proofing referred to in catalogs was actually bonderization and Holdsworth was placing such decals on their frames, they would have called the process bonderization in their ads. I think extra ammo that this frame was actually repainted at a later date.

Re number on BB, I've found another pic of a Chater Lea shell that has same number, 1563. So this is a BB shell manufacturing number. Other number on your seat lug must be serial. Pics to compare yours and other:

Doug

 

[anidel]

Nice find!

It's worth nothing that the number was also very well centered and in line with the CHATER LEA text, which hinted at it being a Chater Lea numbering system.

Any idea of the year of that second frameset ? Link to where you've found that image ?

Also found this Chater Lea catalogue from 1931 (http://threespeedhub.com/wp-content/upl ... 931-UK.pdf) where, in page No. 8, the BB shell No. 1563 is mentioned as 'supplied separately' ( I guess separately from the tube sets )
However doesn't rule out that they were still selling the very same shell up until the 50s

 

[anidel]

I also found mention of that BB shell number here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vinta ... ?styleid=6

Where they mention this Adelaide frameset from the 50s.

And indeed, in what seems to be claimed as a 1952 catalogue, sure enough, BB shell No. 1563 was still available

https://flic.kr/p/o3JXyx

 

[CBguy]

Yes the bike forums link you give is where I saw this other Chater Lea BB. 1563 obviously is a "model" number.

Also found another Chater Lea BB on Flickr albeit unclear and with an apparent -1 following 1563:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/frances_c ... 211037753/

 

[anidel]

Re:

Yeah the catalogue shows some variants of the 1563 model

 

[keithglos]

Re:

After looking at availabnle catalogues it seems that the beautiful blue track frame could be 1936ish. It loooks later, but that shows how forward thinking WF was.

I thought the chain stays were round / oval / round in the pic. which was a bit misleading. I also thought that chater bottom brackets all took 3/4 inch stays,not 7/8.

It will be interesting to confirm that it actually has 7/8 crimped chainstays.
(Edit, in the 1931 catalogue both sizes available)

No doubt you will turn the head clip to the correct position.

Keith

 

[anidel]

First thing I'll do is to turn the head clip indeed

I will report on the seat stays too.
Frame has been delivered at the office today, but I wasn't there. Will pick it up tomorrow.

 

[Midlife]

Someone else who has stuff delivered to work ...

 

[anidel]

Ahaha

I just completed mounting the Cyclo Ace derailleur on the younger sister (La Variable from 1939). Looking smart!

 

[anidel]

Got the frame today.

Haven't measured it yet or weighted, snapped a couple of pictures for your perusal.
Fork has 0520 stamped on the back of the fork crown, quite an unusual place?

https://goo.gl/photos/WXoqDwp8Gqzbj6QUA