1877 Coventry Machinists Co. 52” Roadster

[rusty_apache]

I’m trying to figure out whether or not the saddle pan is original or not. The steel tool roll loops just look out of place to me.
so far I have determined that it should have grey rubber tiring but it’s so badly deteriorated I don’t know the diameter. The handlebar is installed backwards and the backbone is slightly bent.

 

[dnc1]

The V-CC library has the 1877 catalogue online.
Are you able to access it?
If not, I'll see what I can do.

 

[rusty_apache]

It doesn’t have a detail of the seat pan. I would love to see what the original luggage rack looked like and possibly fabricate my own.

 

[bricycle]

side views?

 

[Craig Allen]

Off hand I would say the pan saddle you have is original. The two loops hanging underneath on the backside would not have been for carrying luggage but rather for a tool bag. The saddle itself would have been covered with pigskin and possibly some horsehair for cushioning. I kind of doubt the tires were originally gray in color but most likely red para rubber. The wood wedge under your saddle pan is original. I worked on a very early Singer a couple of years ago with a similar wedge arrangement. Nick Clayton in England possibly may have an original Coventry Machinists catalog. Other saddle options that were offered was something called the "web-seat". They also listed in the sundries list an "air" saddle which I only surmise was an inflatable rubber saddle.
The luggage carrier illustration I included was not for this bike but I only added it to give you an approximate idea what something would have looked like on the lower backbone.

 

[rusty_apache]

side views?

Sorry.... here it is.

 

[rusty_apache]

Thanks so much for all the help over the years Craig!
I thought that wood block was a piece of Art Deco furniture placed there some time after the Great Depression. So the images I posted from Robert Serba's website are just a brochure and a more in depth catalogue exists?
The brochure says pigskin saddle as you verified. My ‘91 Expert has a CMC Saddle and spring so I was wrongly expecting a very similar arrangement where the leather is just riveted to the pan. this one is simply stitched around the pan. I am so pleased to know that I don’t need to have one made.
The tiring does look to be original and more red than grey. Im not sure how I got that impression.

 

[Craig Allen]

Yes there is a catalog but unfortunately I don't have one. Thanks.

 

[rusty_apache]

The V-CC library has the 1877 catalogue online.
Are you able to access it?
If not, I'll see what I can do.

Oh!
I misunderstood.
What I have seen is a brochure not the catalog.
where do I find the vcc?

 

[bricycle]

ask @bikebozo