I think that Jerry Mortimore's website has several mistake on dating Carltons and this is causing more problems than it is solving.
This Carlton Flyer is a 1970 bike, as the "E" serial number would suggest, as an "E" is a 1970 bike for Raleigh-Carlton as well. Bikes made in year #XYZ in Carlton shop, with the exception of "A" frames, always had the same serial number, be they Raleigh-Carltons or Carltons. We have typed documentation from Raleigh explaining the Serial number sequence. I see no reason why Jerry is not following this manufacturer documentation on his website.
The fork crown is a vagner 1960's / 1970's crown (did this crown even exist in the 1950's ??)
The lugs are capella, introduced in 1959 and gone by 1974.
The "Craftsman Built" decal was seen on mid-late 1970's Carltons, e.g. the pro-am 12.
The head badge came out right around 1960.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA