Rusty old Claud?: Any ideas on model or age?

[Dillo27]

Hello People!

Iv'e just acquired a vintage looking bike frameset which has Claud Butler transfers and also came with a Bayliss and Wiley bottom bracket set stamped '15' plus a cotterpin crankset which seems original.
It's quite rusty and there's little paintwork left but appears sound and without dents etc.

Does anyone have an idea on age and model name? It looks to have been powder blue with half chromed rear stays and forks.
Measures 53cm seattube and 57cm top tube center to centre.

Pictures below;

Iv'e tried to add more pictures but am not able to for some reason.

 

[baronsouthside]

Re:

Quick google of 'claud butler no lugs' brings up bikes with bi-laminated frames and bronze welding. May be a starting point before someone more knowledgeable answers.

 

[Dillo27]

Ok, as I can't seem to get any more photos on here,

It has a seatube crest with a familiar CB design and
CB WORKS
CLAPHAM
LONDON
ENGLAND
at the bottom plus 7 bands on either side from silver, green, yellow, navy blue, red, turquoise, silver. The headtube badge is a transfer and the downtube has what looks like faded gold large sized scripted Claud Butler. There is evidence of box lining.
there are brazed on mounts for mudguards on the rear stays and forks. The forks curl forward markedly at the bottom.
The pump mounts are on the downtube.

 

[Dillo27]

From what I have read online, the serial number sequence post 1950 reads the first 2 digits for the year and the next indicate the month, such as 537 would designate it July 1957. Before 1950 the first two numbers are the year of a decade then the month, so 75 would indicate 1937 or 1947 and the month of May.
It looks like this frame is of the pre-1950 era. The question is which decade, the 30's or 40's? The frame weight is 1953 grams if that helps.

I'm no further on identifying a model name.

 

[Banashapan]

Re:

I'm certainly no CB aficionado, but there's a lugless 'Mass Start' Model c.1940s. Could be one of those?

 

[Dillo27]

Yes Banashpan,

The colour and chromed bits match that model, as well as the design. Could be onto something,
Thanks!

 

[Losgaintir]

Re:

Probably a 1949 "Allrounder", not the later new All Rounder

 

[Dillo27]

Thanks for the suggestion Losgaintir,

but the small square mounts on the front forks and rear seatstays seem to suggest it's earlier looking at examples online.
I can't see any framesets carrying this feature after 1944. I could be wrong.

 

[Losgaintir]

Re:

Check out the 1949 Claud Butler catalogue on line.
Sadly the Nik Kilgariff pages are down suspended again, but the V.C.C.
have that year available.
Your frame exhibits all of the "All Rounder" traits. Chromed fork ends,
Chromed rear ends, Chromed for crown, fillet brazed, seat stay eyes, even the rectangular mudguard stay lugs you referred to.
Interestingly, I also have one of these frames.

 

[Dillo27]

Thanks Losgaintir,

Ive had a good look on the V.C.C. database and as you say my frame does match pretty well with the 1949 All Rounder.
The only difference is in the downtube decals design, mine having the 7 coloured bands either side of the CB crest.
This may be a minor issue.

So you have the same frame? What colour is yours and is it the original paintjob?

This frameset is in need of a refurbish and I want to keep it true as possible to its intended design, including the chromed features. Is it possible to to get it sandblasted and just the chroming done?

I have found the stove enamelling finish to be almost as vulnerable to damage as a home sprayed job and considering the vast difference in cost I would prefer to do the paint and transfers myself.