Hey, I love that Gillott Spearpoint frameset that listmember Ken Sanford was wisely encouraged to buy last week and did. Id been watching it and wished it was in my size. Congrats, Ken!
But Ive just found my own English spearpoint frameset, and Ive never seen spearpoints quite so long. Its not a Gillott, but a Bertrand. Early 50s Im told. Serial number 9616. Anyone know anything about Bertrand serial numbers to help define the date?
Admittedly, shes rough right now. But Mercian will take care of that. Though the frameset was probably one solid color (as it is now) when new stock, it seemed a shame not to show off those lovely lugs, so Im having the bulk of the frameset enameled in Mediterranean Blue, and the lugsall of them, bottom bracket includedpainted in a contrasting cream, lined with gold. Mercian is making up C. Bertrand transfers for me. The only place where the lugs are "lacking" is the seattube cluster, a place where I HAVE seen longer spearpoints on other bikes.
Currently the bike has no headbadge. So in the one-in-a-million chance that somebody out there has oneId love to take it off your hands (for a price, of course).
Heres Before pictures:
http://photos.yahoo.com/
When the framesets finished Ill post After pics for all to see.
Meanwhile, I know so very little about Charlie Bertrands work. I would love to hear from anyone who knows anything at all about the man and the marque.
The only thing I found on C.R. regarding Bertrand is an excerpt from a talk given by H.R. Morris, the master who, when speaking of his start in the 1930s, said, From Sanders I went to Bertrand and Co at Finchley where good bikes were made but wages still very poor. From there to Bates Bros at Plaistow, a bit more money it is true but not such nice bikes. How bout that, the famous Bates taking a back seat to Bertrand! Guess Im onto something good.
Cheers,
Peter Jourdain Whitewater, Wisconsin
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