Sometime around June, a pretty grotty lady's twin-lateral (?) Rene Herse frame appeared on Ebay via one of the newly arrived French sellers, and, after starting out at $100 it made just over $1300 seven days later. It needed complete renovation.
Reaching the end of its auction with 15 hours to go on UK ebay - collectables/transportation/cycles. item No 2270377483 is a 1949 original 22.5" Claud Butler lugless semi-marathon 531DB lady's frame, with beautiful long fluted top-eyes. The asking price, with no bids to date is £45.For that you also get a fork with a twin-plate crown.
This frame is being sold by a member of the V-C C who is not, I recall, a member of the List. I have dealt with him extensively and find his items always to be good value.
In my collection I have an earlier version of this frame without the extra set of stays from the drop-outs to the down-tube/seat-tube junction. The workmanship is impeccable. I would expect the Claud that's now for sale to be at the very least the equal of the Rene Herse I mentioned - I can see no reason why it should not be.
If there's anyone on the List who's reading this who fancies an very rare example of supreme British craftsmanship for his wife/partner, then look no further than this item.
The seller is quoting £52 to ship the frame to the States.., so you could just get lucky and for around £100 have a real prize in your stable.
No connection with the seller except by trading with him
Norris Lockley , Settle UK