Discovered this on EBay.
Is anyone familiar with this marque?
1954 Vintage Major Nichols Racing Bicycle Campagnolo. This is a 1954 Major Nichols road racing frame. The handbuilt frame is made from Reynolds 531 lightweight Double Butted steel tubing, with Nervex Professional lugs throughout. The frame is perfectly straight and true. The gleaming metallic light green paint is in perfect condition with absolutely no chips, scratches, or dents. The original Major Nichols transfers on the seat tube and head tube, are in excellent condition. The white lug lining, thin black lines bordering the white bands, and the Major Nichols name with gold shadow effect, were all painted by hand, and are in perfect condition.
This frame is a one off racing special, made with special care and the utmost attention to detail, personaly built by Custom Racing Frame builder, Major Nichols, from his small workshop, formerly at 5 Reform Street, West Bromwich, England. Major Nichols' professional racing frames such as this one, are extremely rare, and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Many English racing enthusiasts have yet to see one, however their reputation for quality and craftsmanship is legenedary, with many top professionals from the 50s ordering a custom racing frame from Major Nichols. The serial number is stamped on the bottom bracket and is 97.
This frame was made for a Top Professional Australian Racing cyclist, who raced in Europe in the 1950s, and brought the frame back with him when he returned to Australia. It is in as new condition, as it was caringly used only for special racing events in Australia up until 1962, and lovingly displayed inside for many years.
The seat tube measures 59.0 cm center to center, 60.5 cm or 24" center to top. All threads are English. The front and rear dropouts are original chrome plated Cyclo Benelux (English). The English headset and bottom bracket are in perfect condition and are included. The winning bidder has the choice of either a cottered or cotterless bottom bracket axle. The frame has the original brazed on Cyclo Benelux front and rear bottom bracket derailleur cable ramps. The integrated rear derailleur hanger is able to accommodate a Campagnolo rear derailleur. Any choice of equipment from the 1950's or 60's would be appropriate with this frame, including Campagnolo.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to purchase a magnificent, rare 1954 Major Nichols, handbuilt racing frame, set at a ridiculously low, no reserve, price.
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Cheers,
Scott Goldstein
Los Angeles
Tuesday, 04/16/2002 8:58:23 PM pacific time