Mercian King of Mercia - Retro Content!

[wpflynn]

Hey, new poster. Bought a Mercian from a local bike store in hackney. They couldnt tell me much about it. Eventually found the frame number 42152. Guess this means its from 1952? Any chance anybody more experienced can help me identify the type? Im struggling

 

[badgersarebold]

Hi, Great looking Mercian. I have a Mercian too (from 1976). I think the number does indeed refer to the year the frame was built, so or yours it would be 21 April 1952. However for confirmation its worth contacting Mercian Cycles direct, in Derby, and asking them to verify the frame model. Some records even identified the builder. Tho I believe they had a fire, so it maybe some of their records are missing. But def worth contacting Mercian to find out more. At a guess, the tubing would most likely be Reynolds 531, possibly double butted throughout, which was obviously the mark of a racing thoroughbred at the time. Please let us know more when you know more

Ray