Claud Butler Puzzle

Revelljohn

Retro Newbie
Hi,

My first post on this forum, so please be gentle with me!
I'm trying to identify my old Claud Butler, but so far the serial number and headbadge seem to be posing more questions than answers. Any help would be appreciated.
I bought the bike about 1967 from the brother of a schoolfriend. It was probably original but very scruffy and in those days it was just an old bike to be done up, which I did with the limited funds available to a schoolboy. As a result, all the original fittings have long gone - all I have left is the frame, forks, and perhaps the original bars and stem. I haven't ridden it for about 20 years, having moved on to mountain bikes, but have finally decided to rejuvenate it. But first I'd like to find out exactly what it is!
It's a brazed frame with the serial number 762288 6349 stamped on both the bottom bracket and the steerer tube. Having read various articles on the subject, this doesn't seem to fit with the standard numbering system used by CB. Or is it a later 'Holdsworth/Claud Butler'?
The headbadge is also a puzzle. Rather than being a pressed fitting it is flat, with the normal logo etc etched onto the surface. I have read of a few etched badges produced immediately after the war but these are described as 'tinplate' whereas mine seems to be brass.
I have attached some detailed photographs and any suggestions as to the likely year and model would be most appreciated.

Thanks, John
 

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Hi, based on the rounded rear brake bridge, the truncated claud dropouts, the round track type fork, and simple seat clamp arrangement, it is a pre 1951 claud butler. Therefore the serial number means it was build in June 1947, as indicated there is plenty on the web about the golden age of CB, it is a collectable, but I hope you'll be building it up and riding it, that frame should be ultra light, enjoy. Terry
 
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