A couple of years or so ago I was given a nice 24 inch track frame and told it was an MKM. List member Derek Wilburn advised me on possible finishes and, of course, transfers/decals are available from Nick Tythecott. So restoration appeared to be a simple matter. However, Derek had reservations about the frame number and when he eventually saw the photographs he put the date of manufacture in the 60's or even 50's, so clearly too early for MKM. He also advised checking with the fount of all knowledge of bicycles British and French, Norris Lockley. Norris immediately responded with the following information:
"Now.. for some good news on your MKM. It is definitely NOT an MKM... as it is far too old. Then frame is probably a 50s, possibly a 60s, although I
would opt for the earlier date. The chap who thought that it was an MKM had simply got his initials wrong. The frame has three initials but they are "JRJ" - John Robert Jackson, alias Bob Jackson, and it dates from his time at 83 Harehills Road, Leeds 8. The frame would have been made at his workshop at 80 Hyde Park Road Leeds 6.
Many is the time I have pressed my nose against the window of that corner shop at No 83. I reckon that the frame is the "Olympic Sprint No1" model, although it could be No2 model because of the mudguard eyes...but I don't think that
these are original. The lugs are Oscar Egg "Super Champion" ones with a little semi-circle cut out to make it look more like a Nervex Pro. My brother bought a JRJ "Olympic International Road Racing" model from Jacko in 1953...this had identical lugs. The "liners" on the chainstays reminded me of a Maclean that I have, also of a Harry H Hill, but, on checking the JRJ catalogue I noticed that Jackson called this one of his "3-Star Features" for this frame alongside "the brazed-on saddle support lug dispensing with ugly cross-bar clips and no
chance of a slipping saddle", and the "All-in-one seat stay cluster". The frames were very elaborately painted when new...and unfortunately the JRJ transfers are no longer available. I have just bought in a S/H road frame from the same era that has most of the transfers in a not-too-good
state. Someone on the CR List also has this model track frame and was setting about doing it up a couple of years ago, so it might be worthwhile putting a contri on the List, seeking help. I will check out the number on my JRJ and let you know if I have any more news. As I recall, my brother's frame, bought new in late 1953, was numbered 323! More anon, Norris
Well, how much more detail can a man ask for than that! So, to follow up
on Norris's suggestion I asked Peter Brown to put some pics on the web
in the hope that a member can advise on finish and decals/transfers.The
link is
http://ntlworld.photobox.co.uk/
More in hope than expectation,
Nigel Land
Barton on Humber
UK