Mystery Sports Frame 30's 40's HELP!

[COUPES]

Re:

Had a look at Norman but nothing but led me to Armstrong bikes and one looks similar to yours. Can't find where the serial is though. Armstrong Moth a possibility.

Simon

 

[SullyW5]

Good pick Simon, thanks.

Lovely looking bikes but frame sizes in 20 or 22 (mine is 21)

Did you see the fold-up sidecar they produced? Now that's cool

 

[keithglos]

Re:

Must be 1938/39. Its trying to tell me it was made by a large maker perhaps Hercules, but the number on top of the seat lug is odd, more so for a small builder.

Tourist model with brazed on Cyclo gear hanger, Bluemels QR mudguard eyes,
very ordinary lug set. Top or near model from large maker.

Keith

 

[SullyW5]

Thanks Keith....keep thinking because I've hit another wall

Ruled out BSA and Triumph as the frame numbers (location and content) don't add up.

Can't find Sun which is strange but I have a 30's one in storage so will check it out. Sun would have holes for the head badge though so pretty sure it's not them.

Large manufacturer? Transfer on head tube? Very strange location for frame number?? 531, Russ forks etc

Disappointingly I think Evans is also out despite the frame number looking good. Found an excellent page..........
http://www.purelyaloveofthebike.co.uk/evans.htm

which links to the 1939 catalogue! (not in the VCC library):
http://www.purelyaloveofthebike.co.uk/evans_1939cat.htm

Can't see a match and the head lugs look modified whereas mine are not.

 

[SullyW5]

Here are the '39 Evans head tubes

 

[OldTel]

Re:

Hi, we seem to be diving in all over the place, Sun did there own lugs at this point in time, and the serial number would be on the dropout, as indicated most of the 'lead' lightweight builders ( evans included ) had moved on from this type of catalogue build, so it most be a small shop builder, the serial number is in a place I've never seen before, its your only clue, so be patient you may find it in due course. Terry

 

[SullyW5]

Thanks Terry - just trying to get some traction on it before I have to move on to another project.