On offer (as our friend Hilary Stone would say) is a NOS Schwinn (approved) saddlebag, very similar in size and shape to the Nigel Smythe Country Bag in the Rivendell catalog. Still has most of the Schwinn paper tag. Said to have been made for Schwinn by Carradice. I have added the stiffening dowel. Bag is about 13" - 35 cm wide, not counting the pocket on each side. Black, with grey leather straps and reinforcements.
The Nigel Smythe is undoubtedly a good value at $190, a thing of beauty that may outlive you. But, if that stretches your budget too far, and your classic British beauty just must have a saddlebag, then this one is a steal at $70 shipped in the US.
My customary house rules with variations:
1) If there is more than one person interested, I decide 24 hr. after digest with this message appears. If someone makes a compelling case for getting it for a particular bike (like a touring Paramount) that gets preference; otherwise I just choose randomly.
2) It really looks a lot like the Rivendell version, but dull black canvas instead of their neat tweedy plaid. If you really need pix, I can do it, but it is a bit of a pain.
Simple, eh?
harvey sachs mcLean va usa I apologize to all of my friends elsewhere, but the hassle factor in international shipping makes me reluctant to ship these things.