Unknown Hercules

[lifeontwowheels]

New poster and no clue what I have. I bought a Hercules 3 speed off Craigslist and the various parts are really throwing me off on the date.

1) The headbadge looks pre-Raleigh or just at the takeover. Looks to be brass under the paint and has "Birmingham, England".

2) Sturmey Archer AW with a 65 date stamp.

3) SA twist grip shifter.

Having trouble finding a serial number in any of the usual spots.

Comparing to some photos online, it seems to match to a mid '50s Herc; other photos seems to point to a mid-60s AMF Herc. Photo below, any thoughts? Regardless of year I am really looking forward to cleaning this up and making it a daily rider.

 

[sam]

those three bands on the seat tube tell me it's an AMF bike

 

[lifeontwowheels]

Thanks, that's what I was seeing on the one photo. I'll post the others of the bike later.

 

[lifeontwowheels]

The rest of the photos:

And a few questions:

1) Does this follow the Raleigh thread counts and other quirks when it comes to things like headset, bottom bracket, seatpost etc.?

2) Mid-60s AMF Herc... sacrilege to consider a powdercoat?

3) How do these handle? Especially with a front rack/basket and load?