WHAT'S THIS? Maybe pre-1940??

[keithglos]

This is clearly not a Raleigh, so before 1943.
My best guess is late 1930's, perhaps 37. The rear wheel may not be original.
I can't see any Raleigh here apart from the SA hub and control.

 

[one-eyed_jim]

I'm with keithglos - it looks like a pre-war frame to me with some later parts.

The 1939 Rudge catalogue is here:

http://1939rudge.blogspot.co.uk/

Details like the dropout shape, form of the fork blades, and the position of the mudguard eyelets correspond:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3715 ... 00/21W.jpg

 

[one-eyed_jim]

The 1938 Rudge here:

http://www.jimlangley.net/ride/rudge.html

has serial number A592537. If serial numbers are sequential, that suggests yours (A631201) is perhaps just a bit later.

1940? Looks like a good match if the gears are a later addition:

http://oldbike.files.wordpress.com/2009 ... ortsg5.jpg

There is a Rudge club - mostly concerned with the motorcycles it seems, but perhaps they could help you with the serial number:

http://www.rudge.co.uk/

 

[one-eyed_jim]

An A682440 from 1940 here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1940-Gents-Ru ... 0718629621

[

with a detailed gallery:

http://s47.beta.photobucket.com/user/su ... 9247945297

]

and here's the 1940 catalogue in glorious hi-res:

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Rudge-40/

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... lw06vb.jpg

What do we think?

 

[Cycle:Recycle]

Dear Jim,

Many thanks for all your help with identifying the rudge.

After some further thought I think our Rudge has been modified, re-sprayed. Brake pulleys removed from frame.
Potentially the frame could be pre-WW2, or close to the start. The rear wheel and possibly front potentially having been replaced later (post war).

I'd imagine frame numbers were sequential back in the day.

I guess the frame being from 1940's or just before could have some value but we'll hold onto it for now as it makes a very nice display piece. We may even get the Rudge back to riding condition if we have the time.

Thanks to everyone for their input with this.
Will be putting another interesting bicycle up for discussion soon....