[CR]Raleigh Serial # questions

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

From: "KCTOMMY" <KCTOMMY@email.msn.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:50:37 -0600
Subject: [CR]Raleigh Serial # questions

I'm confused (nothing new about that!) about a Raleigh serial number. As best I can read (repaint, not the best stampings) my International's number is E 4080191. This doesn't match either numbering system from the Retro Raleigh page. Raleighs built from '67 -'73 should have a letter and four digits. My '72 Pro has such a number. If the "E" on the International is correct, it indicates a '71 build date, but that isn't consistent with frame construction details, number of digits in the serial number and transfers.

Frames built after '73 would have a W for Worksop then a letter indicating the fortnight and then a series of numbers. I can't see any W on this BB. Was there any history of mistruck BB's that didn't have the "W"? Or were some Internationals built in other facilities after '73? Did Raleigh do any sub contracting work to meet demands of the bike boom?

Assuming that the "W" is just missing, then the "E" indicates the 5th fortnight, or ten weeks into whatever year, which is mid March, correct?

Based on the Retro Raleigh spec page and catalog data, the frame seems to be at least a '75. The seatstay caps are the large flat ones instead of semi wrapped, the headbadge is the classic heron, and the decal that remained on the frame when I got it was the slant block white down tube Raleigh instead of the the thin gold script, and the Reynolds fork triangles. The original color was champagne.

Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

Tom Adams, praying for good weather this Saturday in Kansas City!