Hilary,
I can confirm that Hobbs did indeed use the Hobbs of Barbican transfer post war. I have them on my 1949 Raceweight. The frame has been handpainted at some point in the past but whoever did it took time to paint around the original transfers. How does it look? Bloody awful.
As for there being no excuse when it comes to me joining the VCC, I can assure you that when it comes to spending money I always have an excuse! Seriously, though, I'm planning on joining soon. I've spoken to the Hobbs marque enthusiast and he is, indeed, a great help. In fact, if I go ahead with a Hobbs website, Mervyn has agreed to give me as much help as he can.
Thanks for the rest of the info, Hilary.
Regards,
Bruce
> From: Hilary Stone <hilary.stone@blueyonder.co.uk>
>
> In addition to Chris in his letter below Bruce Robbins also expressed an
> interest in Hobbs.
>
> Hobbs first started building frames around 1933 and by the outbreak of WWII
> were based in the Barbican area of the City of London. That whole area was
> completely flattened in the 1940 blitz and they relocated to Dagenham which
> is just a few miles to the east of London. Hence Hobbs of Dagenham. i am not
> sure when used Hobbs of Dagenham transfers though as I am pretty certain
> they used Hobbs of Barbican transfers in post-WWII years. Some Hobbs are
> readily identifiable date wise by frame number but there are a number of
> frame numbering systems. Hobbs as a company stayed in business until the
> 1980s - I used to go to them as a wholesaler when I had a small workshop in
> London but frame building ceased at Hobbs I think in the late 50s though
> they had frames - quite tidy ones, built by Tonard (who were trade
> framebuilders) in the 60s/70s. But you would really benefit from membership
> - and I am sure many other CR members would too of the Veteran-Cycle Club.
> There is a very good Hobbs marque enthusiast whose knowledge and information
> he has researched can be drawn upon once you are a member. Membership is
> just 25GBP (about $38) for international members (for Bruce there is no
> excuse membership is just 18 GBP) - it can be paid in cash or travellers
> cheques. The membership secretary can be contacted at:
> 31 Yorke Road, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth WD3 3DW Great Britain and a
> membership form printed out from the rather primitive VCC website at
> v-cc.org.uk
>
> I can help any CR members with arranging payments if they want. And there
> are plenty of other benefits such as News and Views of which I am one of the
> two editors and The Boneshaker which is a three times a year journal - the
> last issue contained a lovely set of photos of Dick (H R) Morris in his
> workshop. Quite a few CR members are also V-CC members including your
> esteemed webmaster.