Shortened Brooks Swift saddles - Does anyone know about these?

[ferrus]

I find this kind of thing fascinating.
Somehow I missed the first photo showing the small ‘rivets’ before. As you say, there’s no sign of the original large rivets or nameplate, so they definitely appear to be assembled from new components.
I was told that Campagnolo employees in the 70s would occasionally built their own derailleurs from odd parts, and I’ve seen so many ‘bitza’ mech’s (including unused examples), that maybe some were indeed these. Perhaps your saddles are a similar thing? Or maybe they are prototypes…
Might be worth asking Brooks themselves as they’re very interesting saddles for sure

 

[greencat]

Asking Brooks is a great shout. They'd quickly be able to say, "nothing to do with us, guv".

 

[Takingabreak]

more like they would respond with, "Niente a che fare con noi, GUV"

 

[Jonny69]

Hex-shaped adjuster is normal. I’ve had a 1970s B17 and a 1980s Flyer with them

 

[dutchie]

Shortened saddles were often used by stayers (behind big pacer moto's). Because of the regulations. The saddle point wasn't allowed to go over the straight line compared to the bracket. With a shorter saddle you could win some centimeter to sit more to the front. Which is in the benefit of the rider.

 

[Nabeaquam]

I find this kind of thing fascinating.
Somehow I missed the first photo showing the small ‘rivets’ before. As you say, there’s no sign of the original large rivets or nameplate, so they definitely appear to be assembled from new components.
I was told that Campagnolo employees in the 70s would occasionally built their own derailleurs from odd parts, and I’ve seen so many ‘bitza’ mech’s (including unused examples), that maybe some were indeed these. Perhaps your saddles are a similar thing? Or maybe they are prototypes…
Might be worth asking Brooks themselves as they’re very interesting saddles for sure

 

[Canuk]

I'd say modded: modding Brooks saddles in the 60's and 70's was a bit of a business. Mostly it was only pros or enthusiast who were doing it (and apparently it was expensive). Especially the Professional model, which was cutaway, tied and shaped and even embossed for top end riders. I've got two in a cupboard somewhere, will try and get photos.