What's this frame??

[MartyP]

Hi There,

Anyone know what this unidentified frame is? Unfortunately, it's covered in thick hammerite and has no head badge so i'm a bit baffled!

I've looked all over google and the usual sites and found nothing similar... The defining features are the twin cut-outs in the lug-work (somehow making an 'M' maybe?) and the strange rear mech hanger/drop-outs...

Any ideas gratefully taken...

Cheers,
Marty P

 

[Spokesmann]

Not sure of the make, could look very nice. reach for the Nitromors I'd say!!

 

[OldTel]

Hi, the frame is a very rare beast indeed, I believe its a Rensch ( Paris ) Champion du Monde, getting that stuff off would help. Once clear of that paint there should be a 4 digit serial number on the bottom bracket, which again as a guess will be starting with a six or seven, putting it date wise 1952 ish. The Rensch CDM was always the top of Rensch/Paris range, even above the beauiful Tour de France and according to the superb VCC book on Rensch And Paris cycles ( worth getting ) there are only 9 on the register. Check out a previous thread ( piccie at the bottom will be the one you'll be interested in ) on the subject http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=112582 Please go careful with it, it is a piece of history, you never get a chance to own something like this again, I'm very envious. Terry

 

[MartyP]

Thanks for the info Tel - I see what you mean although my lug-work is a bit different but I guess these guys hand-cut the lugs differently each time or using a customer's design perhaps?

Very interesting though and not bad for a £3 purchase last sunday at the tip I suppose?

Actually the fork tube revealed a number: 6389 - year?

In terms of restoration, it's being chemically dipped and stripped right now - to see how the frame looks then but will be treated with the utmost care.

What I really wanted was am idea of original colours to have the frame re-finished etc - guess it will be tricky to get transfers???

Thanks again Tel!

 

[OldTel]

Hi, Rensch and Paris bikes had a reputation for there strong colours, after the war they were seen as either too flash or a ray of sunshine against the grey post war environment. I've a tour de France to restore, and the original colours were flam blue, and flam red head tube with lug lining and a white panel, that's going to cost me, once I have it up and running. I will send you Alvin's ( VCC expert and author ) email address who would love to hear from you and may be able to date it to the month. £3 pound - unbelievable bargain, but I'm glad its in safe hands. Don't forget to show it off when finished, the lugs should look superb when finished. Terry

 

[MartyP]

Hi Terry,
You were absolutely correct - it is a Rensch CdM dating from late 1949 Alvin thinks.

Here are a few pics of the rough but original Merlin by the way - and it's for sale...

Cheers,
Martin.

 

[OldTel]

Hi Martin, I'm glad its been confirmed, but now you have all the responsibility for a historic rare bicycle frame. That Merlin's a project and a half, at a guest I would say late thirties, and that's just the way I like them, I'm tempted but I have a queue at the moment a mile long. Thanks for showing it, I hope it goes to good home. Terry

 

[Old Ned]

Lucky find, good to see it's found a responsible home instead of going for scrap. Looking forward to seeing it in a better condition.

I take it that the Merlin is an original example of the brand that was eventually bought by Bob Jackson?