[CR]A potted history of A S Gillott

(Example: Racing)

From: <brucerobbins@supanet.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 19:06:37 +0000
Subject: [CR]A potted history of A S Gillott

From the responses to my request for help in dating Gillott frames, the following wee story has emerged which might be of interest. None of this information is my own and any additional info or corrections would be appreciated.

"Arthur Gillott is believed to have commenced trading as a Cycle Retailer in 1922 in Camberwell, south London. He employed an assistant by 1926, Harry Carrington, who was to play an important role in the development of the business in the future.

"AS Gillott continued trading up to and including the second world war, by which time the founder's health was deteriorating. Around 1943, Harry took over control of the day-to-day operations of the business.

"Harry, by this time, had a keen interest in the development of lightweights and felt the company had to move into the market in order to flourish. He intended to commence lightweight framebuilding as soon as (hostilities) allowed, with the demob of a suitable framebuilder.

"In 1946, Harry employed a builder by the name of Len Davies and commenced frame construction, initially selling to local clubmen like most small specialists.

"Harry became the sole proprietor of AS Gillott upon the purchase of the business from the estate of Arthur Gillott after ASG's death in the late '40's.

"Frame numbering started with 01 and included the year in the form of (i.e.) 946 from the year 1946. Currently, frame number 94631 is the earliest known model of Gillott (31'st frame constructed in 1946).

"By contemporary standards, the framebuilding business was very successful and by 1949 had run into frame number 1000. In consequence, the 9 had to be dropped from the stamping to allow room on the dropouts. At the same time, 1950 or thereabouts, the numbering moved to the BB to allow for future room. Numbering continued consecutively up to 1967 in Edwardes ownership (more on that follows) when it had reached over 6000!!

"Ron Cooper started to work at ASG as an apprentice in 1947, and worked to craftsman status in just a few short years. He continued to work at ASG through the sale of ASG to Edwardes of Camberwell in 1963.

"Harry C. destroyed all company records rather than pass them on with the sale. At the same time, Graphics were revised on the cycle from the familiar A.S. Gillott spript to the modern. A.S. GILLOTT block letters.

"Ron carried on building until 1967 when orders dwindled to nothing. He started his own cycle shop in Honor Oak in 1967.

"Gillott cycles were finished in simple one-color or paneled designs, with use of chrome almost always prohibited. It was felt that chroming could weaken delicate brazing and the incidence of hydrogen embrittlement dictated caution."

There's a lot of information there new to me. If anyone can back this up-or at least no one can gainsay it-perhaps it could on the CR Gillott page? If anyone knows Ron Cooper personally, perhaps this story could be shown to him for verification.

Thanks to those who responded.

Cheers, Bruce

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