Originally Posted by
plympton
Some how I have done it. So there is the bike. No serial numbers anywhere I can find, seat post, bottom bracket. read drop out nor Head tube. I think (google images) it's an early Dawn Tourist. It is a one speed. all original with a bad repaint. The spokes look very zinc-y. Is Raleigh stainless steal a ferrous stainless?
Attachment 574619
I just noticed one other thing. Another member here has a 1939 rod brake Raleigh. Those brakes have a return spring built into the guides. This bike has the newer design where the stirrup acts as the return spring. A clever design where the stirrup has angled legs that compress the stirrup as it is drawn upward. I don't know when this redesigned brake was introduced but I think it's safe to say this bike is post war. Since we know the frame is pre 1955, knowing the date of the new style brake would make for a closer date of manufacture for this bike. Perhaps somebody here knows.