Hello,
Firstly this is not my frame, I don't have anything to gain financially, nor in favour or kind but in the same I will be packing,
shipping and convening the sale as if it were my own and ensuring that
everything is represented correctly, in truth and with absolute care.
This frame belongs to a friend of mine, Jim Bundy. Long ago Jim built
me a frame. He built many and has been active in the bike industry in
many facets for at least 60 years. He was also a good rider and racer
and a coach and mentor to many. Jim is now 80 years young and in his own words has stated "if I haven't ridden this by now I guess I never
will, so it's better in someone's hands who'll appreciate it for what
it is". Jim still tinkers with bikes and parts 6 days a week and goes
to race meets like he always has ..... it is more than an axiom to say
bikes and the people who ride them are his life. I am helping Jim tee
up the sale for his very cool tandem frameset and will key the buyer so
to make payment direct via Paypal to Jim's son Peter. I still guarantee
everything and hold responsibility, the money stuff isn't for me.
http://homepage.mac.com/
If your still reading ........
Ok ... so it's a Whippett tandem made in about 1935-36 by Joe Scruse in
his workspace and bike shop situated on the corner of Oxford St and
Glenmore Rd, Paddington in Sydney.
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
they were both at Smith Sons & Rees shortly following the war, and Jim
oddly enough ended up with a lot of equipment and tooling from Joe Scruse when Joe retired and wound down his bike building business and
shop. This puts Jim in good authority with regard to provenance of the
frame and the paint/artwork but in saying that others of long standing
in the bike industry here have also confirmed the same so it's without
question as to it's claimed identity.
Jim has recently taken it to Peter at Star Enamel (he is our Joe Bell
if I can make that claim) and it has been cleaned and sprayed with 2 coats of clear to preserve the paint and artwork. Jim also had the headset, stoker stem/clamp and bottom brackets (front eccentric) which
are original to the era and this particular frame, rechromed where necessary, and completely refurbished. Just freshly fitted to ensure all was tight and right. The pictures and link have all the details and
info. Feel free to save and use the pictures as you wish, feel free to
pass the link, most importantly feel free to spread the word that it's
for sale and post it on a gazillion forums, sites, and to the far corners of the earth to wherever there may be anyone who would have an
interest in this kinda thing.
Just in case you missed it ... I get nothing from this and am just helping Jim. Buyer will deal direct via Paypal with Jim's son, and i'll
handle and ensure all the details with regard to packing and shipping
it to anywhere in the world. Speaking of which, this is big, like oversize - that means either costly or slow for shipping. I don't care
for slow nor feel confident with that option, I am finalizing details
now and I promise it will be at most 8 or 9 days in transit once being
shipped anywhere in the world (probably much less). This, due to size,
is a one off, quite involving time wise and Im not offering this service or similar to anyone else. Tandems means a lot of work. I pack
like a demon and have references to prove if needed - this will be 1st
class as is deserving.
A little more detail .... Whippett's were always very well regarded and
the Tandems like this one were without peer even till after the war from the minds of many downunder. These are now very rare to come by or
see offered for sale. Joe Scruse was a former racer and he showed that
same determination and singlemindedness in his bike building from the
20's to the late 40's. Pat Kelly was a well regarded Liner who then went on to establish his own business and from accounts that i've heard
quite a character. It's about style and a signature in their work that
stands the liners/painters apart and they were classed as different jobs back then. Jim recalls of earning £5 a week for building/assembling after the war and Pat was earning £6 10s just for
lining and scroll work. I guess what sold local frames was the fancy paint. Jim whilst not always a journeyman has worked for and with many
in his time. Lets just say that Jim and many others don't have many good things to say of their time working for Bruce Small at Malvern Star but I guess that's expected as the place was the biggest, and they
paid the least like any oligarchy. Although he does have to say they did things very much their own way at Star, notwithstanding Jim's previous experience he was taught all over again by a team of 3 gents
with over 100 years experience between them. That was their way. Jim eventually went on to make frames under his own name and whilst he didn't make make a tower of riches he certainly attracted and fostered
the crew of local riders and devotees that were like him - with heart,
purity and passion. Somehow I slipped in there and Jim made me a frame
when I was yet too young to even need to shave my legs. Jim's frames were honest and without frills, robust and purposeful. Jim was and still is a great coach, the man we all go to see when our bikes need tweaking or we need a braze job or little fixing and is generous and friendly with everyone. Soon I will tee up some pictures of Jim's bikes
and stuff and also talk with both Jim and his mate of similar years Jack Walsh, who was as quick as they come and quite a formidable track/6 day racer.
oh yeah ... the tandem:
http://homepage.mac.com/
PRICE = $2000usd, that includes thorough packaging and superfast shipping anywhere (from 2 days to just over 1 week at max), if you in
Oz bank on around $1725usd in $aud equivalent. Im not rushed to pick a
buyer as many aren't checking their inbox 6 times a day and if you think Im asking too much (on behalf of Jim) let me know, to a point ..... this is a rare gem and isn't something I think worth gifting away
being in the condition it's in or the era it's from. Either way i'll iron out details via phone and hope the buyer and Jim will also be able
to talk as well - Jim's always keen to share his experience and insights and talk about bikes with others ;)
Anyway, I've warbled too much. I like Jim a lot and sure I wanna help
him sell this frame but Im just as happy showing it and sharing it with
all of you too. Funny he never rid it, huh? He worked too much and mostly on other people's bikes ... I guess you industry heads understand. Enjoy the pics & details and share and save them as you see
fit. If anyone has any info or details to add please feel welcome.
Thanks for lending an ear (or eye/mind/heart).
Ciao,
Ben Kamenjas
Sydney, Oz