I have never had much luck with tracking down a history or chronology of Helyett cycles [France]. If there is any List Member familiar with this marque I would greatly appreciate and details about the company
As with many French firms, they also produced a complete line of mopeds, and even larger motos during the 40s and 50s.
One trivial note I can offer is that the Helyett girl in the headbadge and logo seems to have been taken from a popular (perhaps Hungarian/Austrian ?) operetta dating from the 1890s and called simply "Miss Helyett".
I noticed this advert card offered on eBay from a Belgian seller. Note the picture of the woman with the large Bonnet in this litho:
...compare that distinctive headwear with the Bicycle logo figure here:
http://i20.ebayimg.com/
...and this head badge:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/
I believe there was also a French film based on operetta made during the 1930s. Perhaps the bicycle builder was a big fan of an actress, a song, or the story.
Just goes to show; be careful what you name your product line... it may stick forever. Lets hope a future cyclist will not someday be riding a J-LO or an Anna Nicole.
Anyway, again, any data on the beginnings and the end of Cycles Helyett would be most welcome.
Thanks!
Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA