[CR]Lygie info and spelling

(Example: Production Builders:Tonard)

From: "The Maaslands" <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
To: Classic Rendezvous <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Lygie info and spelling
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2002 09:56:31 -0500

Neill wrote:
> I bought a Lygie frameset (serial# on seattube
> C9A1259) from a CR member a few months ago. It is
> 531 DB.
> Chrome headlugs and fork crown, chrome forktips
> and rear D/O's (8" or so), and a 9" chrome panel
> on the seattube. Finish seems to be original with
> a few beauty marks from age ;-) A sort of Ivory
> paint, with red details, mainly where the paint
> transitions to the chrome.
> Sorry, I am now without a digicam, so no pics.
>
> The frame came with a record BB and
> headset(italian threaded).........anyone guess
> what the model name is, what it usually came
> built with, age etc.
>
> Also, humorous aside: the Lygie is also spelt
> Ligie in a second place on the frameset. I
> presume the first spelling is the correct one?

Lygie (pronounced Lee-j-ay with the j being the j as used in the word Judge) was founded in 1905 by Alfredo Sironi in Milan. Their bikes were built up using French components.. In 1908, Sironi sold out to Ernesto Rolando of Pavia who in turn sold onwards to Cesare Rizzato (of Atala fame) of Padova in 1932. Because of the initial use of the French components (rare at the time it would seem), it is often mistakenly believed that the company is of French origin. In most continental European languages, the letter y is also known as a greek 'i' or long 'i' and is often used merely as a pronunciation aid and is completely interchangeable with an 'i' so to see both spellings is not that odd. In Italy, you will also see the letter 'j' interchanges with the 'y' from time to time too.

Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ

---