A Viking or not a Viking?

[sjcprojects]

I don’t know, but I was Viking the price (ahem). £25 for a nice pair of Golden Arrow brakes that happened to have a bike attached to them.



It also has some other quite nice bits attached, although it’s had a hard life. What first caught my eye was the Nervex Pro lugs - it was obvious this is a decent frame. But what is it?

The frame number is 05593, which I can’t match to anything definitive - Viking usually had 6 digit serials but from what I can tell they weren’t entirely consistent. Oddly, the fork has only the number 3 stamped on one side of the steerer and ‘W’ on the other.

The most distinctive feature is the seat stay eyes/caps which are this spearhead design:



I know I’ve seen this before but I can’t think where - I know a few builders used this style. Again, Viking sometimes used similar (but not identical) designs, but I could be barking up the wrong tree. I suspect it’s from larger volume builder, though.

The only other clues are that it definitely had a head badge, and the holes for that are not at all in line with each other for some reason. Also it has a curved brake bridge and a somewhat distinctive RD cable guide.

Any thoughts welcome as always.

 

[juvela]

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Wonderful buy for twenty-five Roberts!

This seat stay plug was widely employed in Britain during the 1950's and into the 1960's; have never known the maker, have suspected it might be a Haden piece.

Frame may be slightly earlier than appears at first glance. Likely to be eleven tube 531.

Fork crown is Vagner model DP+





Shell appears it may be from the continent as well but would need a topside view for an ID.

Curved seat stay bridge may be a NERVEX piece but would need a better view.

Unable to make any guesses as to maker.


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[sjcprojects]

Thanks - the BB shell is also Nervex Pro. I think you’re right that style of seat stay end was more common in the early 60s than later. Having no bottle cage bosses, plus the cable routing and fork rake also points to the 60s, I suppose.

The head badge holes should narrow the options down a bit. I need to do more internet research…