I have been offered a bike that was described as a pre-war, Sturmey Archer 3 speed. After suggesting that S-A manufactured hub gearing, shifters and other bits, but not whole bikes, I was assured it is a Sturmey Archer with 3 speed hub, drop bars, no fenders and a narrow chain guard. It was purchased used in 1948 and is probably late 30s or early 40s. I'll take a look at it this weekend, but in the mean time: (1) did S-A make bikes? (2) if so, what's it likely to be? (3) what should I look for (hub dates, hub type, etc.)?
Thanks,
Terry McClintock
San Francisco