1950's trike ID?

[Cavalol]

Could anyone please name or suggest a possible make and model of this? I found a James on line that was quite close, but the 'chassis' was different. This has rear drum brakes which some have said are unusual, and (after looking at the pictures) the rear sort of carrier thing looks to have been fairly crudely welded on, so I'm thinking it's not original? Thanks in advance.

 

[raleighnut]

Nice

not a clue who made it though, sorry

 

[Ian H]

Drum brakes on both wheels is unusual. It looks to be one-wheel drive. James' generally had an enclosed differential.

 

[Cavalol]

Hadn't even spotted the '1WD' set up, cheers for that. Hopefully it'll help me find out what it is, will do some more digging later.

 

[Cycleops]

What do you intend doing with it? Looks like a full restore is going to be quite an undertaking.

 

[Cavalol]

Yeah, it'd be a bit of a challenge I suppose. Was going to try and make some crazy custom trike out of it, but have been advised not to and I think it's apparent rareness means it'd be a silly idea.
One back wheel is quite 'wobbly' I suspect bearing/s have gone, so need to work out how to remove it then see what I can do. I did try tightening the nut, but didn't make any odds. Not entirely sure what to do with it, probably just make it work better and put a wicker basket or old beer barrel on the back. Nothing that can't easily be reversed, though.

 

[Drago]

Soak those rims in oxalic acid, powder coat the frame, that'll look marvellous.

 

[classic33]

Any headtube badge or sign one was fitted?

What make are the drum brakes.

 

[classic33]

George Fitt government contract?

 

[classic33]

Early ones used to practice formation flying by the RAF. Later ones used after WWII as disability trikes.

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1940s/1940s/1940s-george-fitt-government-contract-tricycle/

 

[Cavalol]

Thanks, that's very close save the brake lever and the back of the frame, I think. Could very well be same company and aslightly different design.


*Edit as typing: The Fitt one seems to have 24" wheels, this is fitted with 26" ones.


Thanks once again, all help is appreciated.

 

[Cavalol]

Hey, 'Classic33' thanks to your link and looking at Harding Safety Cycles (referenced on there) I think it must be this, albeit with a different saddle...

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1930s/1939-2/1939-harding-safety-tricycle/


...pretty much everything seems the same, including the way the 'chassis' splays out under the seat.

 

[Ian H]

Hey, 'Classic33' thanks to your link and looking at Harding Safety Cycles (referenced on there) I think it must be this, albeit with a different saddle...

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1930s/1939-2/1939-harding-safety-tricycle/


...pretty much everything seems the same, including the way the 'chassis' splays out under the seat.

I think we have a winner.

 

[classic33]

Hey, 'Classic33' thanks to your link and looking at Harding Safety Cycles (referenced on there) I think it must be this, albeit with a different saddle...

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1930s/1939-2/1939-harding-safety-tricycle/


...pretty much everything seems the same, including the way the 'chassis' splays out under the seat.

Does that mean it's not from the 50's?

Yours looks in better condition though.

I thought possibly a mobility means after WWII.

 

[Cavalol]

Possibly, it's only because "1950's" was a guess on my behalf, and also because the Harding in the link comes up as 1939. I did try to message you personally to say thank you by the way, but I couldn't work out how to do it!