Here are pics of my latest restoration, a 1946 Merlin L'Internationale obtained from Alex Von Tutschek. All parts are what came with except crank, pedals, tape, and seat. There are some before pics here too. You can see that the green paint was nearly all rusted away. A few spots that were protected by oil allowed me to pick what green it used to be. The fork crown was too pitted to rechrome so it got the blue color instead. I made extra decals if anyone ever comes across one they want to paint. I have not been able to find out much about the pre-Bob Jackson Merlins. Even the chaps at Jacksons don't know anything. Anyone know who the original makers were, or anything else? She's a nice rider on Dunlop Special Lightweights and (English) Michelin 26 x 1 1/4 tread.
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Bob Freeman
Elliott Bay Bicycles
2116 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
206-441-8144
Home of Davidson Handbuilt Bicycles