Help - Carlton bike, frame number D1206, possible mid '50's?

[justridecycles]

Hi - could someone help with the dating and model of my new bargain purchase - a Carlton. It has Huret rear mech, GB Coureur (front) and GB Sport (rear) brakes. Cyclo gear lever. 27 x 1 1/4" wheels. Suntour perfect 5spd freewheel. The handlebars have quite an ornate pattern cut into them but no indication of the make. The chap I bought it from said that he bought it second hand in 1961/62. Thanks

 

[justridecycles]

Forgot to mention the frame number is on the rear dropout if that helps

 

[OldTel]

Hi, it looks like 1952/3 as a guess based on the serial number, some pictures of the lugs will help.

 

[justridecycles]

Thanks - will take some photos of the lugs tomorrow

 

[justridecycles]

It has a Leatheries leather saddle in need of attention - can these be restorred?

 

[Spokesmann]

Just looking at the headbadge puts it certainly before 1955, the frame number will confirm this with its letter prefix. Look forward to seeing more images of it.

 

[justridecycles]

Photos of lugs attached. Coming to the conclusion its 1953ish

 

[Spokesmann]

They look like Lindrick lugs, introduced around 1954 for the continental model.

 

[justridecycles]

Thanks for all your help. The paint is peeling off all over the frame and forks so I am going to have a go at a respray myself - watch this space! Components all off now for stripping the frame and forks.

 

[Spokesmann]

ANy other pics of the rear mech etc.

The bike is well worth restoring - most Carltons are and its refreshing to be on a forum where they are held in relative high regard.