Ted Ernst wrote:
>
> Tom / All: These screw on end caps are the treasured ones.
> Occasionally we would find them on other nationalty bikes but almost always
> on Swiss bikes.
> I don't know if it was a Weinmann /Swiss thing or a Swiss guy who sold them
> to the Swiss builders. We tried to save them as often as possible, can't
> remember a source. These are the equivalant of the beautiful French tire
> scrapers that "floated" with a little spring pressure against the tires, and
> metal valve caps.
> Display case candy for like minded tifosi.
> Ted Ernst
> Palos Verdes Estates,CA
I think you may be on to something here Ted. Both of the shops were I found the cable caps with set screws sold Allegros and/or Mondias! I siding with you on this one: must be a Swiss thing!
My 1955 Ron Kitching catalog (www.velo-retro.com if you want a copy) lists three different spring loaded French tire scrapers.
And I quote:
OZANNE: The original Continental catcher and still the favourite. Made in unbreakable steel wire, the Ozanne is spring loaded, giving movement in all directions, and due to its ingenious design can be easily adjusted without losing any rigidity.
LOUVIOT: A strong rustless cadminum plated catcher in a simple patented design. Spring loaded to give movement should the wheel be buckled.
CHARLES PELISSIER: The latest and lightest of all thorn catchers. Here is the favourite with the lightweight enthusiast. Designed by the famous French champion, the Pelissier is made in the lightest of duralumin and is cleverly spring loaded and pivoted in its centre. Highly polished and streamlined, it enhances the appearance of any machine.
I've found Ozanne and Pelissier scrapers but never the Louviot. The Pelissier is a tiny marvel of Streamline Moderne design!
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
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