Okay here's some vintage content as per Chuck's request!
I have just posted the only pictures I have so far of a 1947 or 1948 Carpenter frameset I recently purchased (with the exception of the headclip and BB, minus the parts) from Alexander Von Tutschek. Several of you have already seen these images but I thought that I would share with the rest of the crowd - as Lou says to break the boredom ;-) :
<http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287477011>
This is an interesting frame as it has features which are definitely pre-WWII - lug style is similar to late-30s or early-40s Hetchins (probably Chater Lea), also the head-badge bears the pre-War London address of Carpenter (before they relocated to Kingston-on-Thames after they were bombed out in 1942). The serial number, however, places the frame clearly in the 1947-8 period. The paintwork is not original, nor is the seat-tube transfer (although it might be old) - the badge is original, as is likely the chromed fork-ends and fork crown. The repairs were simple professional filling of shallow dents.
I have been perusing the few Carpenter catalogues (both pre-WWII and post-WWII) that I received from Alexander and from Doug Smith, in the hopes of determining which model this particular frameset is - Mick Butler thinks it is a "continental" style frame. In the prewar period there was an "LA Continental" model as well as an "Ace Continental" (as well as a couple of "clubman" models and racing frames). The "Ace Continental" model also continues post-War. The 1937 descr. for the "Ace" states that this is "an entirely new design on Continental lines, but with frame angles to suit English road racing at all distances. A real speed job, with a super specification and finish." The post-War catalogue reads: "Actual Continental design, correctly adapted to British racing requirements, modified angles and wheelbase."
The descriptions of these models all talk about "genuine Continental" crowns, blades, lugs, etc. Even the parts are introduced as "Continental". Even the paint-work is described as: "Special Continental finish in colour to choice, hand panelled in contrasting colour, chromium plated fork crown only, as on actual Continental machines.." or "attractive Continental effect." The latter discussion of paintwork is what interests me at the moment as I am trying to decide on the finish I want.
Okay, can someone give me a break-down on what was this "Continental" style which seems to have become popular not only with Carpenter but with a large number of the British builders in this time period? Any comments from the Brits on the list or those of you into Brit bikes of this period, about this frame!
Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON, Canada