Is it a "Donovan" or is it really a carlton?

[silver pete]

I am new to this forum and in search of an answer to a mystery. I aqquired this chrome framed racer a week ago. It simply has the name "Donovan" on the sloping tube and all other transfers removed(though the"ghost"outline is visible in the chrome).It has a frame number E7660, Williams crankset AZ, 1959, Cyclo Benelux 5 speed, Dunlop special lightweight rims on Resilion hubs, Chater lea lamp bracket and GB stem and bars. It has nicely filed nervex lugs and arched rear brake bridge.I am convinced it is a Carlton, but why is it named Donovan? A mate tells me that when Gerald O'Donovan ran Carlton he had "specials" built and put his name to them. Any truth in that? If so , is this one of them? What is it??
I have got several pics but the files are too big for the forum system. I am happy to send them to you if you email me, peter.jones233@ntlworld.com. Thanks for any light or suggestions forthcoming.

 

[Spokesmann]

Re: Is it a "Donovan" or is it realy a carlton?

The Donovan's were the owners of Carlton before Raleigh lumbered in on the scene. They did make a few special machines like the Wanderlust under the Donovan name/brand.

 

[silver pete]

Shall I send you some photos?

 

[Spokesmann]

Please do.

 

[silver pete]

Photos are sent! have you got them?

 

[Spokesmann]

Yes, pretty well all of them now.

 

[Spokesmann]

To get the ball rolling here is a useful link, the key point Carltons had two holes for the head badges, Donovans used a decal...

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=244539&p=1836769&hilit=wanderlust#p1836769

 

[silver pete]

I had a Flyer a few years ago. It had a decal as a headbadge, not a two holes metal badge. It was just the word Carlton set at a 45 degree angle. I seem to think it was a track frame. I sold it to a mate who may well still have it!

 

[Spokesmann]

OK for Silver Pete, here are the images of the machine. What a cracker, the frame is nearly identical to my Constellation of the same period, c1958. Ive only seen one other Donovan so any input form more learned members would be welcome. Suffice to say I love the originality of this machine...

 

[Spokesmann]

Pete here is my Constellation of the same period, head lugs are slightly different but rear seat stays cluster is the same, Carlton loved chrome. A lot of the parts on this machine are the same as yours, although the Weinmann brake may be replacements as the original may well have be GB sports side pulls or similar. Shortie guards are a later addition. The frame is most probably 531 tubing too.