PeterLYoung 

I have recently acquired a Wartime Austerity Production Sunbeam at an Auction. Robert Champ at V-CC has provided all the knowledge I really have about this bike (thanks Bob). It has a transfer indicating wartime Sunbeam production and most of the paint is missing from the frame and accessories, apparently under wartime restrictions they were only allowed one coat of black paint and no chromium.
I plan to fully restore it and have it all re enamelled black again. I am in USA at present so can only post a few poor photos and will take better ones when I get back. Someone has fitted an SA 3speed later as it would have been single speed originally. As it is a BSA Sunbeam (BSA bought Sunbeam in 1943 as I understand it) it would have had a BSA 3Speed. As it happens I do have a period correct BSA 3Speed hub and a NOS BSA top tube mounted BSA shifter so I have to decide how period correct I should make it, however, for me gears make it more usable. One thing I find curious is that the drive side rear wheel drop out is extended under the chain stay for what could be derailleur mount and it has a design registration number stamped on it. This looks like a bracket for a Cyclo or Tri-velox Derailleur. It may be that it is a pre-war frame and they were using 'old stock' up to build new cycles.

I plan to post progress of the restoration of this bike here as it proceeds.
Opinions invited plus any new information. I cannot determine the frame number until I get back to UK later this month.
The Serial No is WS3907. I guess W is for Wartime Finish and S for Sunbeam after BSA took them over in 1943.


Sunbeam as purchased at auction. Note Front Wheel painted Black (no chrome) and replaced Back Wheel is Chrome (added as replacement with Sturmey Archer 3 Speed).



















Extended drive side rear dropout for Cyclo/Tri-velox type derailleur.