Raleigh serial numbers: can you date this bike?

[Jonny69]

Is anyone on here good with Raleigh serial numbers? Pretty sure it's a Gazelle from the Raleigh group sometime in the late 40's or 50's but I don't think it's a 'Raleigh Gazelle'.

This one is on the side of the seat post clamp:

And this one on the bottom bracket shell on the non-drive side:

Bit more about the bike here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=296201

 

[keithglos]

Jonny,
I have identified this on the other thread, New Hudson made by BSA from 1950, with several non original parts, like the 1938 AW and raleigh Chainwheel. The brakes are BSA from the correct period.

Keith

 

[Jonny69]

Cheers. I don't think it is a New Hudson because the outline of the head badge is completely the wrong shape. Head badge would suggest it's a Gazelle. There is no date number on the SA hub but I don't think it is original. Why do you say as early as 1938 for the hub Keith?

 

[keithglos]

Jonny, I thought you said AW8 for the hub gear.
The frame looks to me to be BSA from the early 1950s.
I actually went round the BSA works in 1954 and was horrified to see how they anchored the tubes before brazing.
Can you see the BSA trademark on the bottom bracket bearing cups with the cone spanner flats?
At the time BSA bikes had a transfer on the head, no badge. They only made BSA, New Hudson and Sunbeam.
A picture of the rear fork ends would confirm as they are distinctive.

Keith