Hi Brian, The more I think I know about Hetchins (which wasnt much to start with) the less I find I know. Len was referring to the seat tube transfer which does not have the sword in the upper left quadrant of the shield. This shield is of the City of london and Hetchins used it on several transfers as well as their head tube badge. All the Southend (post 1974) versions of this particular head and seat tube transfer that have been seen, including the one Gary Prange now offers, lack the sword. Ive personally seen one of the London transfer variations without a sword but wasnt sure if that transfer might have been someone's reproduction and the frame I saw was a respray. Problem is we cant read the words Southend or London from these photos.
The "Hetchins" engraved topeye which is clearly visible in two photos is believed by Len to have started after 1980 or so. Those two details taken together are the source of Lens date comments. I agree this bike looks older - that double plate fork crown plus the drivetrain stuff sure add to that impression.
If the date is post 1980, the explanation of why this one looks older is in the history of Hetchins. My early 80's MO made with 50s lugs and twin plate fork crown, but with engraved topeyes looks far older than the 74 Spyder I recently got from Larry Black. Older parts were around on shelves, in drawers and in stashes - wherever, and got turned into frames - whenever.
We've been working on a model timeline. Start dates are relatively easy to come by because of whats been published. End dates sort of wander and may only be "known" (or guessed at) because a model exists in the registry that has been dated through receipts, work cards, serial numbers and the combination of physical features.
Len and I guess Hilary Stone before him were/are true detectives.
Cheers my friend
Marmitetom
Oakland, CA
>
>
> Tom,
>
> That's interesting that this bike is sort of an in between
period bike but it closely mimmicks the older frames from about
1969 or so.
>
> I wonder who will end up with this bike? I'm almost tempted
myself, but I have one already.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La Mesa, CA
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>
>
> -- "Thomas Rawson" <twrawson@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> When Len refers to "engraved topeyes" thats shorthand for a
frame
> manufacture date after 1980- 81, believe.
>
> Tom Rawson
> Oakland, CA