Re: [CR]Copper plated frames - Detective work

(Example: Framebuilders:Pino Morroni)

From: <Johnsummerfield@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 15:09:57 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Copper plated frames - Detective work
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


To follow up on Nigels theme, I noticed an uninteresting "ready for the dumpster" bike from my local village auction. On further investigation prompted by noticing the tommy bar Chater-Lea pedals, it turned outo be the best find ever. A 1940 (by my deduction) Daycock, that wasn`t too obvious as the head and seat tube had been painted over. With a bit of careful work with fine wirewool the decals came to life. The frame was completely copper plated beneath the paint and was equipped with Lytalloy chainring, Sturmey AM (dated 1939) and Dunlop special lightweight rims, Brooks Champion Narrow saddle, Bluemels alloy m`guards and the rest of the stuff in period. I researched the origins of the frame but the Bethnal Green, London address on the headtube decal ceased to exist after the Blitz. I tried to get information from the present day successors of the company but I think I must have spoken to Homer Simpson and gave it up as a bad job! However, as Nigel says, copper plating of frames may have been in vogue @ the late 30`s. Regards, John Summerfield Just as `ot and `umid Norfolk England