Takao Noda wrote:
> I have obscure photocopies of Hetchins catalog ( not complete)
> which seems to me pre-War. The decals on DT of Brilliant No.1 and
> No.3 ( No.2 is missing) seem block letters type similar to this
> 1936 Hetchins. I cannot find on them any script type decals which
> the unofficial Hetchins web site says to be pre-War.
>
And Rick Chasteen asked:
>
> 1. Is that a cable guide on the lower right headtube lug?
>
> 2. Is the headtube chromed? What about that shiny surface on the seat
> tube? Chrome or foil tape?
>
> 3. Is the stem secured with a pinch bolt?
The Hetchins lettering as Nick states in a later email to Peter Naiman is the correct style of lettering but not perfect in the details. What you can se on the lower head lug is a grease nipple, a common fitting on pre-war British bikes. The head tube, the seat tube, rear ends and front lower forks are chromed I have seen this bike. The saddle as Chuck comments is definitely of the correct type. And the Gloria front brake is perfect and exceptionally rare and desirable. The Chater cranks and pedals whilst a bit later are rare and desirable in themselves. Chater-Lea round cranks were only made for a year or two in the 40s and are incredibly beautiful and desirable. The handlebar stem does have an expander bolt which is strictly not correct but is adjustable just like a Major Taylor and is also an unusual and desirable item.
Hilary Stone