(Owned by John Whiffen)
The picture attached is taken from the original advertisement on E-bay and shows 4871’s condition when I bought it.
It was made in the mid-50’s, a date computed from dates of others known to the marque enthusiast. The 23” frame is now in the decorative state in which it was originally sold in that I have “merely” had the original colour and badge and transfers restored or repainted. The attached picture shows why none of the attachments was kept – rust and general deterioration from its having been kept outside someone’s house – and that it had straight bars, a single freewheel and a pannier-rack.
From that, I decided that it had been made for someone who would ride it in flat country. The vendor then told me it had been outside a house in Twickenham (flat country and only four miles from Surbiton Road), from where he collected it but that he could not remember from which road. I have not been able, therefore, to find or guess at its history. That a widow sold it suggests that it belonged to her husband, and could have been made for him.
The vendor told me that he had seen when it he was delivering to the house in question and had asked if he could have it. His intention, he told me, was that he would restore it himself for himself. Having been outside, it was, he thought, almost beyond repair so, after some years, he decided to sell it by auction on E bay. He did not know anything of its history so that I am left with my guesswork.
It is now fitted with
Mechs: Sun XCD;
Wheels: Sun XD with large flanges;
Brakes: Tektro;
Bars: V O Grand Cru;
Saddle: Brooks B 17 Champion Special
Pedals MKS
Cranks Andel fluted.
I imagined 4871 as if made by FHC in March, 2016, when I bought it, and added the quality of kit I thought he would have added to his workmanship whilst, with fluted cranks, shiny rims, shiny parts and large flanged hubs, attempting a “retro” look. It attracts admiring comments, I add as an incentive to others to undertake saving other “wrecks”!