Something the hobby clearly does not understand to this day is that there were two major generations/versions of Troxel "Toolbox" saddles:
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VERSION #1... (early) Different length springs; "toolbox' clamshell used fabric to hinge; offered in different-colors of piping; covered in either multi-layer coated fabrics OR leather.
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VERSION #2... (late) Different length of springs; "toolbox" clamshell used actual metal floor and hinge; outer covering usually genuine leather.
There were other versions that branched out from here, depending on what bicycle makers and wholesale-distributors requested. And there were smaller juvenile versions– most of which were not upholstered in genuine leather.
While shown in patent illustrations with a ruby-cut glass reflector on the leather tail clasp for the clamshell, this is not accurate. The actual reflector normally used was what myself and Jim Bailey named (in the 1970s when I had him restore one of mine) as the "raspberry" due to its texture and appearance (yes this is where the name used today came from).
There were other versions of "Toolbox" saddles custom-ordered for various bicycles. D.P. Harris had their own rather awkward version that featured what I call "deep springs." Of course the mated look totally negated the streamlined theme, but DPH didn't care.
There were also what I call the "Fantail" streamlined Troxels of the same period. These looked like Toolbox saddles but had no clamshell compartment.
The "Toolbox" saddle on my 1938 Silver King M-138 (what I named "Wingbar") is genuine leather. (see attached photo from 40 years ago)
The "Toolbox" saddle on my 1936 Silver King M-1 is genuine leather.
The "Toolbox" saddle on my 1930s CCM Flyte (see attached photo from 35 years ago) is genuine leather (somewhat shriveled).
As for the Troxel company, whatever remains today is descended from what Richard Timms (who I met and spoke with many times) rescued and moved to San Diego when the original company sold out.
I corresponded with Troxel on an on-going basis from the 1960s until the end of production in Tennessee. I managed to save many of our letters (see attachments)
National Bicycle History Archive of America has most of the original Troxel information and brochures/literature from the early beginnings up until the end of the manufacturing operation in TN.
At one time, we also had the most parts. Troxel sent me most of their outdated old stock back in the 1970s. Until we were robbed about 22 years ago, we had the world's largest collection of Toolbox saddles and other NOS obsolete Troxel parts.
Leon Dixon
National Bicycle History Archive of America
NBHAA.com
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