Holdsworth Frame Numbers
- Thread starter dwscrimshaw
- Start date
Dannystorm
Retro Newbie
Just found this thread whilst researching my latest Holdsworth acquisition, a 531 Special. On Kilgariff these are shown as only built in 1975/76. Mine has a 4 digit frame number that supposedly dates as a '73 Custom build. Any ideas, please. Pics attached.
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Looks like the Holdsworthy 4D custom/branded numbering prediction of 1970 up until 1976 factory move has been revised since last time I looked at data - maybe a year ago? The prior prediction would have had your frame #4615 as being built in 1975.
The previous high frame number on Excel was #5511 which was also a Special and interesting that the number is not far from your own. The addition of a single not well documented frame #8548 has skewed the prediction. (This short lived series has a total to date of 39 serial numbers.)
See:
@ https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/...KZkN4TmM?resourcekey=0-j-KniNT_OXPNIbKK6YXhVg
As you say, the present prediction dates the build of your frame to 1973. There is no catalogue for 1974 but Kilgariff does list the Special model as being offered in 1974. It is conceivable that your frame was built in the second half of 1973 as a new 1974 model. This was often done.
Kilgariff: "1974 Holdsworthy models were .........and Special."
The present prediction for the early 70's Holdsworthy custom/branded frames is uncertain. Perhaps Dave Scrimshaw will comment.
The previous high frame number on Excel was #5511 which was also a Special and interesting that the number is not far from your own. The addition of a single not well documented frame #8548 has skewed the prediction. (This short lived series has a total to date of 39 serial numbers.)
See:
@ https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/...KZkN4TmM?resourcekey=0-j-KniNT_OXPNIbKK6YXhVg
As you say, the present prediction dates the build of your frame to 1973. There is no catalogue for 1974 but Kilgariff does list the Special model as being offered in 1974. It is conceivable that your frame was built in the second half of 1973 as a new 1974 model. This was often done.
Kilgariff: "1974 Holdsworthy models were .........and Special."
The present prediction for the early 70's Holdsworthy custom/branded frames is uncertain. Perhaps Dave Scrimshaw will comment.
Dannystorm
Retro Newbie
Hi, this is starting to give me some clarity. The information from the seller I was given when I bought this was that he was a relative of the original owner who had the bike refinished in original colour with some slight alterations, possibly the under BB cable guide, relocating the cable stop on the drive side chainstay and possibly the cable guides on the top tube. The work was supposedly carried out by an ex Holdsworth employee, the quality of the finish is excellent !. I would point out that the '531' decal is an 'up to' July '73 style, although frames used this after that date. The Shimano 600 groupset fitted is also supposedly original, as it is an early 3 bolt crank group from about 1975, when this groupset was introduced. It has all been well looked after, a credit to the original owner, who I cannot trace, at the moment.
On another note, reading back through this thread, I take it you are interested in other Holdsworth frame numbers. If so I have two more for you.
The first is the Mistral (#(0)60972, therefore 1984 build ?) I owned in the mid to late '80s. A sable brown frameset I bought from a shop in Enfield (sorry cannot remember the name) in about '86, along with a Chorus groupset, to built myself my dream bike ! Pics of frame label and me with bike. This frame was slightly unusual as it had a cage mount under the top tube. Unfortunately traded for a mtb in '92 as the craze picked up.
The second is one I am the current custodian of (#049831, therefore 1983 build ?). This has been refinished, and again is unusual with no lamp mount on the front fork.
On another note, reading back through this thread, I take it you are interested in other Holdsworth frame numbers. If so I have two more for you.
The first is the Mistral (#(0)60972, therefore 1984 build ?) I owned in the mid to late '80s. A sable brown frameset I bought from a shop in Enfield (sorry cannot remember the name) in about '86, along with a Chorus groupset, to built myself my dream bike ! Pics of frame label and me with bike. This frame was slightly unusual as it had a cage mount under the top tube. Unfortunately traded for a mtb in '92 as the craze picked up.
The second is one I am the current custodian of (#049831, therefore 1983 build ?). This has been refinished, and again is unusual with no lamp mount on the front fork.
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Last edited:
fiveSixteenths
Senior Retro Guru
No. 8853 H to add to the list…
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads...ll-hurlow-stamped-completely-original.436238/
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads...ll-hurlow-stamped-completely-original.436238/
Bazwar
Retro Newbie
Hi everyone. My first post as I just joined this site.
I've just pulled this 531 Holdsworth from a shed but struggling to work out the model and year from the charts I've found online
The frame number on bottom bracket is 9417 then under the number is a faintly stamped "H"
It looks 80s to me as lacking lugs but has some interesting frame features around the rear drop outs?
The Sachs gearing looks to be updated as it has pricing in marker pen still hand written on
ive attached these pics, any help would be grand. thanks
I've just pulled this 531 Holdsworth from a shed but struggling to work out the model and year from the charts I've found online
The frame number on bottom bracket is 9417 then under the number is a faintly stamped "H"
It looks 80s to me as lacking lugs but has some interesting frame features around the rear drop outs?
The Sachs gearing looks to be updated as it has pricing in marker pen still hand written on
ive attached these pics, any help would be grand. thanks
According to the frame number list (dcscrimshaw) this frame would be W F Holdsworth from 1948.
The frame looks right to me, Super Champion "Osgear" ends, 2 plate fork crown and the seat stay capping.
All right for the period. The term used at that time for the lugless construction was correctly "bronze welded", now usually called "fillet brazed". The filler rods would normally be Suffolk Iron Founders (SIF) Bronze.
Keith
The frame looks right to me, Super Champion "Osgear" ends, 2 plate fork crown and the seat stay capping.
All right for the period. The term used at that time for the lugless construction was correctly "bronze welded", now usually called "fillet brazed". The filler rods would normally be Suffolk Iron Founders (SIF) Bronze.
Keith
Agree, number predicts to 1948. That would be a bronze welded LaQuelda model. Thinking is that the H below serial indicates Bill Hurlow was the builder. He was with Holdsworth during this time. See: http://nkilgariff.com/HoldsModelPages/LaQuelda.htm
fiveSixteenths
Senior Retro Guru
What a superb Hurlow-built find! What have you planned for it?
