Is it Holdsworth or Major Nichols (1960s)?
08-29-19, 02:00 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Is it Holdsworth or Major Nichols (1960s)?
Hello all,
I am restoring a bicycle from the late 1950s / early 1960s and I struggle to identify its make.
It’s either Major Nichols or Holdsworth. The previous owner suggests it can be Major Nichols as his mom remembers his father arguing with Mr Nichols over the geometry (it was a custom-built).
But the frame number is different than typical Major Nichols: 10611
This implies that it could be Holdsworth instead (the owner wasn’t sure if it’s Major Nichols or Holdsworth)
Unfortunately, when I bought it there were no decals on it. The bike was repainted.
I know it can be hard to be 100 % sure now, but I would like to restore it and order some decals now, so I’m trying to figure out what finish should I focus on.
So in your opinion:
Based on the frame number 10611 and lugs that you can see on the pictures, can you help me identify if it is more likely Major Nichols or Holdsworth?
Thank you very much for your help
I'd like to share photos but this is my first thread and Forum will not allow me to share. If someone would be so kind I will happily share the photos if you are willing to help me. Can you give me a hint how can I do this?
I am restoring a bicycle from the late 1950s / early 1960s and I struggle to identify its make.
It’s either Major Nichols or Holdsworth. The previous owner suggests it can be Major Nichols as his mom remembers his father arguing with Mr Nichols over the geometry (it was a custom-built).
But the frame number is different than typical Major Nichols: 10611
This implies that it could be Holdsworth instead (the owner wasn’t sure if it’s Major Nichols or Holdsworth)
Unfortunately, when I bought it there were no decals on it. The bike was repainted.
I know it can be hard to be 100 % sure now, but I would like to restore it and order some decals now, so I’m trying to figure out what finish should I focus on.
So in your opinion:
Based on the frame number 10611 and lugs that you can see on the pictures, can you help me identify if it is more likely Major Nichols or Holdsworth?
Thank you very much for your help
I'd like to share photos but this is my first thread and Forum will not allow me to share. If someone would be so kind I will happily share the photos if you are willing to help me. Can you give me a hint how can I do this?
08-29-19, 03:47 PM
#2
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Any chance it was a Holdsworth bought at Mr. Nichol's shop? Given that he did carry some other brands, that is a possibility.
-Kurt
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08-29-19, 06:42 PM
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Can you give me a hint how can I do this?
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08-30-19, 09:44 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Hi Kurt,
Yes, there is a chance that it was purchased at Mr. Nichols shop. However, according to the previous owner, his father had this frame custom made.
So it was either an argument that resulted in him not making a bike and buying a Holdsworth instead. Or maybe, the bike was made by Major Nichols but with a different frame number.
10-16-19, 05:46 AM
#6
Dave
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If a Holdsworth that number would suggest late 40's ~1949
10-16-19, 07:31 AM
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Maybe custom-made frames didn't have the normal serial numbering scheme to keep them separate?
10-21-19, 12:26 AM
#8
Dave
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This is a 5 digit number and if Holdsworth would be from the factory number system. I have tried to lay the various systems used on the history site. Holdsworth Bicycles
