The Ultralight model isn't listed in the 1938 East London Rubber catalogue, althought the other models in the 1939 Brown Bros catalogue (Lightweight, Noweight and Featherweight) are.
They're also listed in a Runwell Cycle Co catalogue, which is undated, but which refers to the Sturmey AW, AM and AR hubs being "New for 1938". It's possible that this catalogue is 1939, but with the 1938 printing blocks (or whatever the're called) being used for economy. The trade prices of these hubs were the same in the 1938 ELRCo, 1939 Brown Bros and the Runwell catalogue.
HOWEVER, the trade/retail prices for these mudguards in black were 5 shillings and 2 pence/6shillings and 9 pence (Runwell) and 5 shillings and 8 pence/7 shillings and 5 pence (Brown Bros) respectively, so the Runwell catalogue might be for 1938 - but then, I've found prices for the same product differing between rival wholesalers' catalogues for identical years.
I've wondered:
1. whether they were only introduced in 1938 or 1939, and production was cut short by the war;
2. what was the "aircraft metal" which was used in the fittings (fork crown bracket, sliding rear brake bridge bracket, fixed stay bridges, wingnuts and stays), and which, presumably, gave them their claimed 6 ounce weight advantage over other celluloid guards - aluminium perhaps?
3. what their profile was - from the catalogue illustration and description, I think it would be the same as for Noweights, which were the same width as the Ultralights (2.25 inches wide), as opposed to the Lightweights at 1.75 inches wide;
4. why the other models were available with the sporty spearpoint extension, but this model is listed only with the standard one. I would have thought that the target market of Ultralights would heve been top of the range sporting machines;
5. if anyone cares...
Time to check my celluloid guards!
Neil Foddering Weymouth, England
>From: sam lingo <frameteam2003@yahoo.com>
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: RE: [CR]Bluemels timeline question
>Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2005 18:00:43 -0700 (PDT)
>
>The 1939 brown's bro catalog also list in celluloid
>the Utralight guards,inaddition to the others .
>sam lingo,pleasanton tx.USA