[CR]1955 Holdsworth Zephyr - Headbadge Detail Request

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

From: "Peter Brown" <peterg.brown@ntlworld.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:27:46 -0000
cc: twerne@bellsouth.net
Subject: [CR]1955 Holdsworth Zephyr - Headbadge Detail Request

Tory Werne wrote:

Does anyone else on the list own a 1955 Holdsworth Zephyr?

Can anyone confirm with an image what the headbadge looks

like for this machine?

I own frameset #17374 missing its headbadge.

The headtube has been drilled with two hole on 1.675" centers not the more familiar 2.25" of the 1957 and later machines.

The 1955 catalog line drawings do not show this detail, but hint at a unique badge for this frameset. If anyone has a good image, feel free to attach off-list (or point).

Of course (wishful thinking) if anyone owns a very nice non-damaged example of the appropriate headbadge and is willing to offer it for sale, please contact me off-list with your quote (PayPal, shipped to USA 30189).

If there is no response, she will get redrilled and turned into a faux 1957. Stop me before I commit this injustice if you can help !

The interesting thing about the 55 catalogue is that 3 different head badges appear. The Monsoon, Typhoon, and Zephyr are shown as having the older rectangular head badge, the Cyclone the new style, and the Whirlwind the shield type which probably bore the Whirlwind name. I have 2 versions of the rectangular one, a tinny effort, and an enameled brass one. The rectangular ones rarely, if ever, appear for sale, and I have 2 machines which need them. As far as I know they have not been reproduced as a transfer, but I am in discussion with Nick Tithecott about producing them. Holdsworth used the shield type from time to time for models other than the Whirlwind, but also produced those models with the more standard head badges on, so, for example, my 51 Whirlwind has the older brass rectangular badge, while my 54 Whirlwind has the new style. I think you will be very fortunate if you are offered one of the rectangular ones Tory, but if you are offered 2 or more, please let me know!

Peter Brown, Lincolnshire, England.