Brooks 1912 Catalog — The Brooks Book for Cyclists

The Brooks Book for Cyclists, 1912, from J. B. Brooks & Co. Ltd. of Great Charles Street, Birmingham. Forty-five printed pages between dark green card covers, the title and the year on the cover and again on the title page, and the title page adding Twenty-eighth year of publication.

This book carries the title that post 1111 attached to the wrong year. The article’s epigraph was cited to The Brooks Book for Cyclists, 1907, and this project established that the title is a real Brooks title belonging to a later book. Printed page 1 of this book settles it by direct reading: THE BROOKS BOOK FOR CYCLISTS, containing full particulars of the many models of the BROOKS Cycle Saddles and Bags for 1912.

It was opened, with the 1911 book, to close the first of the two changes in the Brooks height convention. Printed page 11, under the heading Size, Weight and Height of BROOKS Saddles, measures the height from the centre of the clip-bolt to the under surface of the leather, in the words the 1910 and 1911 books use. That closes the change to the four years between 1912 and 1916, and leaves only the 1913 and 1914 books unread inside it.

Five other things make it worth citing.

The first is the same flagged exception the 1911 book carries, and this book states it more clearly. The general rule on printed page 11 measures to the under surface. Yet the B 90 Padded on printed page 26, and the B 120 P and B 130 P on printed page 27, each give their height to the top surface and say so in the specification line. The plain versions of the same saddles, on the same pages, carry an unqualified height. This book also names the padded B 90 as Size 2, which the 1911 book left to be inferred from its dimensions. So the top surface figure that becomes the general rule in 1916 was already in use for padded models in 1911 and 1912, marked as an exception, and the change of 1916 generalized it rather than inventing it.

The second is that Brooks states its own publishing arrangement. At the foot of printed page 13 the book records that separate catalogues are issued for the Brooks motor cycle saddles and bags, for the Brooks car equipment specialities and for the Brooks general leather goods, wholesale only. This is a cyclists’ edition, and the 1911 book says so on its cover. A model absent from either book is absent from the bicycle edition, which is not the same as being absent from the Brooks range.

The third is the B 90 control. Printed page 26 gives figures and prices identical to the 1911 book in all three sizes, and both differ from 1910 in the same way: Sizes 2 and 3 are five ounces and three ounces heavier than in 1910 at unchanged dimensions and unchanged prices, and Size 1 does not move. The B 90 therefore gains its whole pre-war weight inside the single year between 1910 and 1911 and then holds it through 1912 and 1914.

The fourth is the factory. Printed page 13 records that the works in Great Charles Street and Livery Street is being considerably enlarged at the present time, where the 1911 book had described the same illustration as showing it as it stands to-day. The enlargement therefore dates to 1912.

The fifth is the military range, on printed page 41, headed No. 2 and No. 3 Military as adopted by H.M. War Office, with its size, weight and height printed in the heading block. The entry is word for word the 1911 entry at the same price. The Army Cycle Tool Bag beside it is not: it is re-specified from six by four and a half by two inches to six and three quarters by three and a quarter by one and three quarters, and its price falls from six shillings to four shillings and ninepence.

Two cautions on the figures below. As in the 1911 book, every B 90 height prints as three and a fraction inches and the fraction does not survive the scan, so it is omitted rather than guessed; heights that are whole numbers or halves do survive and are given. And the military saddle’s width reads as eleven and a quarter inches on a heading crop and as eleven and a half on the page itself, which is the standing reason this project does not record a figure from a heading.

The scan passes all three defect checks. No two sheets are exact duplicates anywhere in the book, no adjacent pair is a duplicate, and the printed page numbers run unbroken with the house mapping of sheet N to printed pages 2N minus 4 and 2N minus 3. There is no index; printed pages 3, 5 and 7 are all continuous prose.

The following pages are transcribed in full.

— Sheet 1. Front cover —

[Front cover. Dark green card blocked in a darker tone, the lettering low in contrast against the ground.]

THE BROOKS BOOK FOR CYCLISTS 1912

— Sheet 2. Inside front cover and printed page 1 —

[Two page opening. The verso of the front cover is plain green board and carries no printing. The recto is the title page, printed in green on cream, foxed across the outer margin.]

[Printed page 1, the title page.]

The BROOKS (Registered Trade Mark) BOOK FOR CYCLISTS

containing full particulars of the many models of the

BROOKS Cycle Saddles and Bags for 1912

Twenty-eighth year of publication.

Telephone : (Two Lines) 2273 Central.

Telegrams : “Brooks, Birmingham.”

J. B. BROOKS & Co. Ltd. Great Charles St., Birmingham

ESTABLISHED 1866

Contractors to H.M. Government, The War Office, India Office, Post Office and Colonial & Foreign Governments etc., etc.

— Sheet 7. Printed pages 10 and 11 —

[Two page opening, letterpress throughout, no illustration. The left page closes the fitting essay with the care section and a list of parting advice set in smaller type. The right page carries the specification note, which is the reason this leaf was ingested.]

[Printed page 10.]

PRESERVATION.

When exposed to moisture for long periods, either from rain or perspiration, naturally the life and resiliency of the leather will be affected.

To prevent this an occasional dressing of castor oil, or even a little cream such as that which is commonly used for brown boots, should be applied to both sides of the leather, or at all events to the underside.

This dressing will materially assist in the preservation of its suppleness, but, before being applied, the top should be allowed to dry gradually. This process of drying must on no account be hastened by artificial means, as, if this is done, it will perish the nature of the leather and cause it to crack.

A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

Never sacrifice comfort for appearance.

Remember that the broad seat ensures the maximum of comfort.

After adjustment see that the nuts on the Clip Bolt are firmly and equally screwed up again.

Use an efficient spanner for adjustment, otherwise a lack of security will follow and the movement which results will inevitably damage the gripping surfaces of the clip.

Never take for granted that the position of the Saddle is correct when the machine is delivered from the manufacturers, but experiment to find that which is most comfortable.

Remember that to neglect the leather is to shorten the life of the Saddle and-

Never ride a Saddle with the leather wet, and thus spoil its shape and comfort-giving qualities.

[Printed page 11.]

Size, Weight and Height of BROOKS Saddles

For the convenience of the purchaser we have specified throughout this Catalogue, the size, weight, and height of every Saddle illustrated, and, for the further information of the reader, we would say that-

In the matter of size, in order that the figures given may be used for the purpose of comparison between one model and another, we have adopted a uniform method of measurement, viz., that by which the bootmaker measures the length of the foot ; hence the measurements must be regarded only from this point of view, and not as indicating exactly the amount of seat room which the saddle offers.

In the case of the weights quoted, these are in every case as accurate as it is possible to make them, in view of the slight variations which may occur in the weight and thickness of leather.

The height, in every instance, has been measured from the centre of the clip-bolt to the under surface of the leather and, of course, does not represent the height of the saddle above the L pin, as this naturally varies according to the position (turned up or down) in which the rider uses the Saddle-clip.

— Sheet 8. Printed pages 12 and 13 —

[Two page opening. The left page is letterpress, the guarantee and repairs statement. The right page carries a photograph of the works, a corner building of five storeys signed J. B. BROOKS & CO. LTD. along the parapet, with CRITERION WORKS and CYCLE SADDLE MAKERS lettered on the flank elevation, a street lamp and empty roadway in the foreground.]

[Printed page 12.]

Guarantee & Repairs

There are some names which in themselves are guarantees.

We are proud to say that BROOKS is one of these, and that its presence on any article creates a perfect confidence, not only in the article itself, but in the fairness and liberality of the Manufacturers, should any question of repair arise during its use.

This being so, it is unnecessary for us to issue any stereotyped guarantee. At the same time we desire to emphasize the fact that BROOKS Saddles are, in every case made of the finest material obtainable, that they have behind them an experience unequalled in the history of Saddle construction that only the best and most careful workmanship is employed in their production, and that every Saddle is subjected to the most stringent tests at every process of its manufacture.

In the matter of repair, each is considered on its individual merits, the necessary work carried out in the shortest possible time, and the Saddle returned to the owner immediately on completion.

All repairs should be sent preferably by Parcel Post, otherwise by rail, carriage paid. If sent by rail, the label should be marked “Carriage Paid” as if this is not done a charge is again made to us upon delivery.

In order to ensure prompt return the name and address of the sender should be attached to the Saddle itself, and, in addition, a letter should be sent advising its despatch.

If the Clip is returned with the Saddle, it should be securely attached thereto, as it is very liable to be lost in transit.

When writing for a part for replacement, it is advisable to return the defective part, to avoid delay and confusion.

[Printed page 13.]

The Brooks Factory

of which we give an illustration below, is situated in Great Charles Street and Livery Street, Birmingham.

It is being considerably enlarged at the present time to enable us to cope with an ever-increasing business.

The plant and machinery throughout are of the most modern type, the buildings are steam-heated, and the entire plant is electrically driven.

The safety and health of the employees are thoroughly provided for, and there is throughout every department that note of order and system which has so great an influence on the economical production of the highest grade-the making of huge outputs – and the comfort and convenience of every one concerned.

We issue separate Catalogues dealing with the following goods-

THE BROOKS MOTOR CYCLE SADDLES AND BAGS-

THE BROOKS CAR EQUIPMENT SPECIALITIES-

THE BROOKS GENERAL LEATHER GOODS- (Wholesale only).

— Sheet 15. Printed pages 26 and 27 —

[Two page opening. The left page carries the B 90 in two photographs, the plain model at the head and the padded model at the foot. The right page carries the two compound spring models, one photograph at the head and one in the middle of the page, the coil springs prominent at the rear of each. This is the leaf carrying the control model and the flagged top surface exception.]

[Printed page 26.]

B 90

Patent Road Saddle

Made in Gentlemen’s Model only.

Size 1-Size 10 1/2 x 8 1/2in. Weight 2lb. 13oz. Height 3 in. and a fraction [the vulgar fraction is below this scan’s resolution and is not recorded]

Size 2-Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 3lb. 3oz. Height 3 in. and a fraction [not resolved]

Size 3-Size 12 x 9 1/2in. Weight 3lb. 12oz. Height 3 in. and a fraction [not resolved]

The design of this model is such as to ensure the yielding of the top along its entire length-

Only the finest selected leather is used in its construction, and the BROOKS stranded-wire spiral springs, laminar front spring and patent six-wire bracket, ensure an ideal combination of strength and lightness.

Size 3 can be made in special strengths to order, to suit any weight up to 18 stone.

Price : (Size 1) Enamel, 11/6 ; Nickel, 14/-

” (Size 2) ” 12/6 ; ” 15/-

” (Size 3) ” 13/6 ; ” 16/-

B 90 Padded.

Made in Gentlemen’s Model only.

Size 2-Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 3lb. 7 1/2oz.

Height (to top surface) 3 in. and a fraction [not resolved]

This Model is constructed on similar lines to the B 90, with the addition of a padded top for those who prefer a softer seat.

Riders who study comfort will find that both this and B 90 in its three sizes offer exceptional ease and resiliency.

Price : (Size 2) Enamel, 17/- ; Nickel, 19/6

[Printed page 27.]

[Caption printed beneath the upper photograph.] It is doubtful if any invention has done more to enhance the comfort-giving qualities of the Saddle than the BROOKS Patent Compound Springs as fitted to this and the model illustrated below.

B 120 and B 120 P

Patent Anti-vibratory Cycle Saddle

Made in Gentlemen’s model only.

Size 2 (plain top)-Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 4lb. 3oz. Height 3 in. and a fraction [not resolved]

Size 2 (padded top)-Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 4lb. 8 1/2oz. Height (to top surface) 4in.

Price : B 120 (plain top) Enamel, 15/6 ; Nickel, 19/-

” B 120 P (padded top) ” 20/- ; ” 23/6

[Caption printed beneath the lower photograph.] The BROOKS Patent Compound Springs as embodied in this model and B 120, ensure a smoothness and sensitiveness of action absolutely unequalled, and entirely eliminate all tendency to bounce. The leather of both models is the finest selected, and the springs and framing are of the best materials and workmanship throughout.

B 130 and B 130 P

Patent Anti-vibratory Cycle Saddle

Made in Gentlemen’s model only.

Plain top.

Size 11 1/2in. x 9in. Weight 4lb. 1oz. Height 3in.

Padded top.

Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 4lb. 6oz.

Height (to top surface) 3 1/2in.

Price : B 130 (plain top) Enamel, 14/6 ; Nickel, 18/-

” B 130 P (padded top) ” 19/- ; ” 22/6

— Sheet 22. Printed pages 40 and 41 —

[Two page opening. The left page carries two photographs, a cape carrier of leather-covered stays on a pressed steel back plate at the head and a pair of parcel carrier straps looped over a handlebar at the foot. The right page carries the military saddle in three-quarter view at the head and the army tool bag, deep and square with two long fixing straps, at the foot. As in the 1911 book, the opening puts a saddle headed No. 2 and No. 3 directly above a bag headed No. 2.]

[Printed page 40.]

B9450

Cape Carrier.

This is an exceedingly neat wrap for securely holding and carrying a cape or small parcel on a bicycle. It is fastened to the back stays, behind the saddle, by means of two straps, and is constructed of absolutely waterproof materials.

Price : each 1/3

B957

Parcel Carrier Strap

Size 30in. long x 1/2in. wide.

These straps are made of good quality leather, with adjustable slide.

They will be found to offer an exceedingly handy and convenient method of carrying parcels, and do not in any way interfere with the freedom of the rider.

Price : per pair 9d.

[Printed page 41.]

Patent Military Saddle.

No. 2 and No. 3 Military.

As adopted by H.M. War Office.

Size 11 1/2 x 9in. Weight 1lb. 13oz. Height 2in.

This Saddle has been specially designed for Military use, and the fact that it is extensively adopted by H.M. War Office is ample proof that it possesses points of special and commanding merit.

The framing is of the BROOKS popular four-wire type giving great strength, lightness and elasticity.

All materials are of the finest quality and all metal parts are bronzed.

Price : (all metal parts bronzed) 11/6

Army Cycle Tool Bag.

No. 2.

Size 6 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 1 3/4in.

This Bag has been specially designed to meet military requirements, and is made of the finest selected leather.

NOTE.-Special pattern, to suit the requirements of any Territorial Corps, can be made on receipt of particulars.

Price : each 4/9