[CR]Elswick Invincible and Armstrong 3?-speed

On my way home from work yesterday, I rode by an antique store that had bunch of bikes out front. Most are old schwinns and the like, but there is an Armstrong with what looks like a 3-speed hub and a unique crank/chainring that interested me. Looks like 60's or maybe 50's vintage. The crank has a single chainring with, instead of a normal spider, the letters of the word "ARMSTRONG" cut through it. The frame is lugged with a nice headbadge. The fork crown is very odd -- simply a horizontal tube with the fork blades butted or welded into it. The wheels look original, but the rear hub cable is gone. Seatpost looks like original alloy, but has a cheap seat. Original handlebar is gone and replaced with a big, wide upright cruiser handlebar. Has a rear brake but no front brake. So someone has converted this to a single speed, but fortunately did not screw it up too bad. They are asking $200.

Inside the store they have an Elswick Invincible 10-speed that appears to be completely vintage. Late 1960s? The lugs are beautiful and it has a funky Resilion Crimson Star rear derailleur like the one at http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/resilioncrimsonstar.html. The tires have air and the bike looks rideable. It even has what may be the original pump. They are asking $300.

I'm wondering how rare these bikes are and if they are a great "find" at these prices.

Thanks,

Chuck Clark
Salt Lake City, UT
chuck.clark@mindspring.com