fordsnake
I live for the CABE
Ok, I've taxed my brain cells on this topic and I now need your assistance?
I recently purchased a Sturmey Archer Tricoaster for a project next year. The hub has a large "S” stamped above the name Sturmey Archer. In my research, I've found some interesting tidbits about the hub. First, it was introduced in the USA market late 1914, after having a 10 year established acceptance in England! It first appeared in1915 on several high grade bicycles; namely Pope brands, plus the Excelsior & Dayton. So far there's no mention of Sears involvement or the Sears Chief – even though evidence (advertisments) prove the Chiefs were SA equipped.
I did find this excerpt from John S. Allen Bicycle Blog: Mr. Allen references, “The Sturmey-Archer Story’ by Tony Hadland, (1987) On May 7,1914 Sturmey-Archer did a deal with Sears Roebuck & Co. Sears were to pay £500 for use of Sturmey-Archer’s patents, plus a royalty on each hub. So, I’m guessing the ‘S’ stands for Sears.”– John S. Allen
The last line in Mr. Allens statement intrigued me…he didn’t acknowledge that Mr. Hadland confirmed the origin of the “S”? Instead he gave us a subjective opinion and not a fact, that it stood for Sears.http://john-s-allen.com/blog/?p=594
It’s very easy to surmised or speculate the plausibility of what may have occurred or happened…after all who can challenge a conjecture without evidence? I‘ve spent several days now searching online for evidence about this Sturmey Archer & Sears agreement, or Sears manufacturing SA's (so far, I’ve found nothing). Don’t get me wrong…I’m not disputing Sears involvement, I’m sure it existed.
In fact, the Sturmey Archer website concurs, there was an agreement…but it also suggest the Type “S” refers to USA manufacturing! http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-493.4.jpg
So, here’s my question; were all SA Tricoaster hubs made in the U.S.A? Were all U.S.A hubs stamped with an “S?” Did the “S” only appeared on Sears bicycles?
So far, I have not found evidence of an early Sturmey Archer Tricoaster without the stamped “S.” However, much of the printed material in 1915-17 i.e., catalogs, newspapers and magazines show the hub but without the “S”…go figure?
I recently purchased a Sturmey Archer Tricoaster for a project next year. The hub has a large "S” stamped above the name Sturmey Archer. In my research, I've found some interesting tidbits about the hub. First, it was introduced in the USA market late 1914, after having a 10 year established acceptance in England! It first appeared in1915 on several high grade bicycles; namely Pope brands, plus the Excelsior & Dayton. So far there's no mention of Sears involvement or the Sears Chief – even though evidence (advertisments) prove the Chiefs were SA equipped.
I did find this excerpt from John S. Allen Bicycle Blog: Mr. Allen references, “The Sturmey-Archer Story’ by Tony Hadland, (1987) On May 7,1914 Sturmey-Archer did a deal with Sears Roebuck & Co. Sears were to pay £500 for use of Sturmey-Archer’s patents, plus a royalty on each hub. So, I’m guessing the ‘S’ stands for Sears.”– John S. Allen
The last line in Mr. Allens statement intrigued me…he didn’t acknowledge that Mr. Hadland confirmed the origin of the “S”? Instead he gave us a subjective opinion and not a fact, that it stood for Sears.http://john-s-allen.com/blog/?p=594
It’s very easy to surmised or speculate the plausibility of what may have occurred or happened…after all who can challenge a conjecture without evidence? I‘ve spent several days now searching online for evidence about this Sturmey Archer & Sears agreement, or Sears manufacturing SA's (so far, I’ve found nothing). Don’t get me wrong…I’m not disputing Sears involvement, I’m sure it existed.
In fact, the Sturmey Archer website concurs, there was an agreement…but it also suggest the Type “S” refers to USA manufacturing! http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-493.4.jpg
So, here’s my question; were all SA Tricoaster hubs made in the U.S.A? Were all U.S.A hubs stamped with an “S?” Did the “S” only appeared on Sears bicycles?
So far, I have not found evidence of an early Sturmey Archer Tricoaster without the stamped “S.” However, much of the printed material in 1915-17 i.e., catalogs, newspapers and magazines show the hub but without the “S”…go figure?
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