Sturmey Archer AB/C model

[1817cent]

Is there a way to date one of these old hubs? Mine says patent pending on the spool. Thanks!

 

[SirMike1983]

Another way to find an approximate date is to determine whether it is a labyrinth brake seal model and/or no intermediate gear model. The AB/C was the successor to the AB. Starting in October 1983 it had the labyrinth seal to prevent oil seepage and in 1989 became a no intermediate gear (often abbreviated "NIG") model. This is achieved by maintaining direct drive on the hub when it normally would otherwise fall into the "neutral" on the traditional AB hub. So if you have a hub with labyrinth seal but still neutral between H and N, 1983-89, if it has the NIG and labyrinth seal features, post-1989. It could be you have a 1983 hub with patent pending on the labyrinth seal, or could be patent pending on the NIG feature and thus a 1989 hub.

 

[1817cent]

Good info. Thank you!