Peter Naiman writes:
In conversation this A.M. with Len Ingram, who many of you know is the VCC Marquis Enthusiast for Hetchins, I was advised that there is apparently a bastardized Hetchins frameset out there for sale with serial #25060. This frame was originally an Experto Crede, and not sure what it might be in its current incarnation, but is a combination of about two or three frames into one. This might be okay as long as the seller discloses repairs or alterations that might have been done. Peter Naiman
This bike was offered to me several weeks ago for 150 pounds, by the owner who was given it by his step-son. By his own admission he knows absolutely nothing about bikes, but had been told that, as it was a Hetchins, it could be of value to someone. When I went to look at it I realised something was not right, and he allowed me to take it home to investigate further. With the aid of a full set of photographs (which I still have), and the help of Len Ingram I managed to work out what it is. The number appears on the steerer tube only, which was on forks made for an Experto Crede in 1953, but Opus tangs have now been added. The main curly frame does not have a number, the dropouts having been replaced, but it is a Vade Mecum frame, to which Opus embellishments have been added to the seat stays. The equipment level is rather mediocre, and the bike has been left outside for most of last summer. It was made about 20 years ago by the previous owner, who despite not being a frame builder, has done a reasonable job of work. I was offered it again 3 weeks ago, and this time someone in London was involved it the transaction, and the price had gone up to 300 pounds. I offered to take it off their hands for 50 pounds with the intention of dismantling it so that it could not be passed off again to an unsuspecting buyer, but they are obviously now looking for much more than that.
Peter Brown. Lincolnshire, England (doing my best to keep warm)