Bergerwerke G-519 made for The Monuments Men (2014)
Built off a war-time civilian Huffman frame serial number 'H299419'
This bike was a mid-production request and was ridden by Donald Jeffries (Hugh Bonneville) as a hero prop in the film. He uses the bicycle to infiltrate the Belgian town of Bruges, sacrificing himself in a failed effort to save Michelangelo's Madonna. Al Berger built and sold the bike directly to the production company on a short notice. He thought that after filming it would be lost in some storage facility in Germany, or to other European WWII productions.
I spotted the bike recently at auction from Sony Props as they closed their house.. listed only as "prop military bicycle, dayton brand." With cursory knowledge of the G-519 and no knowledge of it's film use.. I went after it. Someone knew what they were looking at and bid me up a quite a few times but I got it for a fair price considering its a BwG519.
After I won the bike, I went to the prop house to pick it up and my friend who works the dock let me know it was used in the Monuments Men film. After I confirmed this and found the CABE threads that gleaned info into it.. I reached out and called Al Berger to let him know the bike is safely back in America and in a good collection. The bike has been heavily aged from the scenic department and use on set, but is fine mechanical condition and I rather enjoy riding it.
I've added Schrader valve caps, a Bevin bell, and might possibly switch the grips out. Otherwise leaving it in it's patina! The Delta Winner light was wired by the prop department to take AA batteries and it works great. The bags that were hung on it did not come with the bike.
I am pleased to own and ride this piece of film history. Last images show it in the film.
Cheers
Aaron
Built off a war-time civilian Huffman frame serial number 'H299419'
This bike was a mid-production request and was ridden by Donald Jeffries (Hugh Bonneville) as a hero prop in the film. He uses the bicycle to infiltrate the Belgian town of Bruges, sacrificing himself in a failed effort to save Michelangelo's Madonna. Al Berger built and sold the bike directly to the production company on a short notice. He thought that after filming it would be lost in some storage facility in Germany, or to other European WWII productions.
I spotted the bike recently at auction from Sony Props as they closed their house.. listed only as "prop military bicycle, dayton brand." With cursory knowledge of the G-519 and no knowledge of it's film use.. I went after it. Someone knew what they were looking at and bid me up a quite a few times but I got it for a fair price considering its a BwG519.
After I won the bike, I went to the prop house to pick it up and my friend who works the dock let me know it was used in the Monuments Men film. After I confirmed this and found the CABE threads that gleaned info into it.. I reached out and called Al Berger to let him know the bike is safely back in America and in a good collection. The bike has been heavily aged from the scenic department and use on set, but is fine mechanical condition and I rather enjoy riding it.
I've added Schrader valve caps, a Bevin bell, and might possibly switch the grips out. Otherwise leaving it in it's patina! The Delta Winner light was wired by the prop department to take AA batteries and it works great. The bags that were hung on it did not come with the bike.
I am pleased to own and ride this piece of film history. Last images show it in the film.
Cheers
Aaron
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