Brooks 1920 Catalog — The Brooks Book, the 34th Annual

The Brooks Book for 1920, from J. B. Brooks and Co. Ltd. of Great Charles Street, Birmingham. Thirty-nine printed pages between green printed card covers, the year on the cover and the title page reading The 34th Annual BROOKS BOOK, Describing and Illustrating the 1920 Models. Printed by Buckler and Webb Ltd., Birmingham.

Read alongside the 1919 book, which is the thirty-third annual, this one confirms that the series resumed consecutive annual publication after the war: 1919 thirty-third, 1920 thirty-fourth. It also does four things the 1919 book does not.

IT DOCUMENTS POST-WAR INFLATION IN BROOKS’ OWN PRICES. The same models, one year apart, on essentially unchanged specifications: the B 400 motor cycle saddle goes from 52/6 to 78/-, a rise of about 49 per cent; the B 500 from 65/- to 113/-, about 74 per cent; and the cycle B 28 from 20/- in enamel to 33/3, about 66 per cent. Printed page 39 explains itself in a boxed Note: under present conditions all prices are subject to revision without notice, orders can only be accepted at the prices current on the date of despatch of goods, and current prices will always be quoted on application. A catalogue that declines to stand behind its own printed prices is unusual in this run and is worth citing as evidence of conditions rather than of Brooks’ pricing policy.

THE ORDER OF THE TWO TRADES REVERSES. The 1919 title page reads Saddles and Bags for Cycles and Motor-Cycles, and the 1919 book puts the cycle saddles first. This one reads Saddles and Equipment for Motor Cycles and Cycles, and the motor cycle range occupies printed pages 6 to 27 while the cycle saddles do not begin until printed page 28. Motor cycles lead the book and the title in 1920.

THE PRINTER CHANGES. The 1919 back cover carries Silk and Terry, Ltd., B’ham, who also printed the 1908 and 1916 books. This one carries Buckler and Webb Ltd., Printers, Birmingham. The change falls between 1919 and 1920, which is a one-year window and a useful dating tell for any undated book of this period.

THE B 28 REGAINS A SIZE 3. In 1919 the B 28 is offered in one size only, 10 and a half by 8 and a half inches. Here it is Size 1 at those dimensions and Size 3 at 12 by 9 and a half inches. That matters because this project recorded the 1916 book giving the B 28 Size 3 as 11 and a half by 9 and a quarter inches, against 12 by 9 and a half in 1905, 1907, 1908, 1913 and 1914, and read the change as a permanent range rationalization. The pre-war dimension is back in 1920. The 1916 figure therefore looks like a wartime measure rather than a settled decision, which fits the 1919 book’s own statement that nearly all Brooks facilities had been given over to Government work.

The height convention is defined again, on printed page 4, in almost the 1919 words: the height is measured from the centre of the clip-bolt to the top surface of the leather. The 1932 book measures instead to the under surface of the seat. So the definition is stable across 1919 and 1920 and changes at some point before 1932, and heights from either side of that change are not comparable.

The compound spring gets its second full explanation in two years, on printed page 5, and this one is even plainer than the 1919 version: the compound spring consists of the usual coil spring, of unusually large dimensions in Brooks saddles, within which is coiled a second spring whose function is to damp out any minor road shocks and, when more violent shocks are received, to compensate the action with the larger spring and so counteract any tendency to unpleasant bouncing. Printed page 4 also carries a Security paragraph stating that the name BROOKS appears on both flaps and in name-plate form at the rear of every saddle, and that saddles not bearing it are not of Brooks manufacture, which is the same claim the 1903 book makes on its yellow Warning leaf seventeen years earlier and in nearly the same words.

Printed page 39 also carries a bird’s-eye view of the Great Charles Street works, a companion to the factory plate on printed page 72 of the 1910 book.

NO SCAN DEFECT WAS FOUND. The printed pages run continuously from 2 to 39 with no gap and no repeat, no two embedded images in the file are byte-identical, and the mapping is the usual one for this run, sheet N carrying printed pages 2N minus 4 and 2N minus 3.

This record reproduces seven leaves: the cover, the title page, the conventions and the compound spring, the B 500 and B 400, the B 85 and B 95 with the B 28 and the Release Hammock, the cycle frame bag with the works view and the price note, and the back cover with the printer’s imprint. The remaining pages, covering the rest of the motor cycle saddles and back rests, the sidecar trunks, carrier cases, spare tube and belt cases, the carbide carrier and cyclists’ belt, the spring leggings, the remaining cycle saddles and the tool bags, are held in the Ebykr collection but are not reproduced here.

The scan runs about 933 pixels across per two-page spread, roughly 466 pixels per printed page, and the images are presented at twice that, the house ratio for this run. The book is printed in black and orange on white paper within orange rule borders, with full-colour photographic plates of the saddles, between green printed card covers. Shipped as scanned, with no white point normalization.

— Front cover —

[Front cover. Green printed card, the design in dark green and black. A cycle saddle in silhouette at the upper left and a sprung motor cycle saddle at the lower right, with short rule bars balancing each, and the title in a bordered panel at the centre.]

THE
BROOKS
BOOK
FOR
1920

— Title page —

[Title page, recto, facing the inside of the green front cover, which shows the cover design blind-embossed in reverse. The page is set within orange rule borders, the headings in orange and the firm’s name in black.]

The 34th Annual

BROOKS BOOK

Describing and Illustrating the 1920 Models of

BROOKS
(REGISTERED TRADE MARK)

Saddles and Equipment for Motor Cycles and Cycles

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

Telephone (6 lines). Telegrams.
CENTRAL 3670 “BROOKS, BIRMINGHAM”

— Printed pages 4 and 5 —

[Printed page 4, verso. Running text in a marginal-heading layout, with a faint line drawing of a motor cycle at the foot.]

The majority of riders will find that a saddle with good seat-room and ample springs is what is really required for ordinary riding, and that the comfort of such a saddle is of great assistance to the true enjoyment of cycling.

Adjustments

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

Size, Weight and Height

The various sizes and weights of Brooks Saddles (specified throughout this book) have been found extremely useful to many purchasers in time past, and the prospective buyer should (when ordering) state this size and also his own weight. The weights quoted are in every case as accurate as it is possible to make them; slight variations, however, may occur due to the weight and thickness of leather.

The height is measured from the centre of the clip-bolt to the top surface of the leather.

Security

THE name BROOKS is our Registered Trade Mark. It appears on both flaps and in name-plate form at the rear of every saddle that we make. Saddles which do not bear that name are not of our manufacture, neither can they possess the same merits.

[Printed page 5, recto. A large plate of the compound spring shown in section, the inner coil visible within the outer, beside two columns of text.]

The BROOKS World-famed Compound Spring

FOR several years now the Brooks saddle has been referred to as “the saddle with the compound springs,” and many are the riders who have experienced the extra comfort which is afforded by these extra springs. The compound spring consists of the usual coil spring (in Brooks Saddles of unusually large dimensions) within which is coiled a second spring, the function of which is to damp out any minor road shocks, and when more violent shocks are received, to compensate the action with the larger spring and so counteract any tendency to unpleasant bouncing. This saddle luxury is incorporated in most of the Motor Cycle models illustrated in the following pages.

— Printed pages 6 and 7 —

[Printed page 6, verso. A colour plate of a broad padded motor cycle saddle on parallel links and a large coil spring.]

B 500
Patent Motor Cycle Saddle

Size, 14 in. wide x 13 in. front to back. Weight, 10 lb. 10 oz. Height (to top surface of depression), 4 1/8 in. Clearance between rear springs, 8 in.

THIS model has been described as “the Pullman of Saddles,” and the suggestion of travelling comfort that is conveyed by this phrase is in no way wasted on this most luxurious of all saddles for Motor Cycles.

The Brooks Compound Springs are fitted and support the whole of the seat which is of unusually comfortable dimensions and extremely well padded. The seat portion moves uniformly and in a vertical direction; this movement being provided by means of parallel links connected between the fixture of the saddle and the springs. Ample bearing surface has been given to all the wearing surfaces so that no discomforts due to minor vibrations shall be felt.

B 500 Enamel finish only 113/-

[Printed page 7, recto. A colour plate of a similar but smaller motor cycle saddle.]

B 400
Patent Motor Cycle Saddle

Size, 12 1/4 in. wide x 12 1/4 in. front to back. Weight, 9 1/4 lb. Height (to top surface of depression), 4 1/8 in. Clearance between rear springs, 8 in.

THIS model is a replica of the one previously mentioned, except that it is made somewhat smaller and is consequently rather lighter. The compound springs, however, and all motion and bearing surfaces are the same as on the B 500.

The seat is of liberal dimensions, shaped and padded to provide the maximum comfort, and finished to the smallest detail with usual Brooks thoroughness.

The rider’s weight should be stated when ordering.

B 400 Enamel finish only 78/-

— Printed pages 32 and 33 —

[Printed page 32, verso. Two colour plates of leather cycle saddles in side elevation.]

B 85 & B 85 L
Road Saddle
(Patent)

For Gentlemen-Size, 10 1/2 in. x 8 1/2 in. Weight, 2 lb. 11 oz. Height, 3 1/2 in.
For Ladies-Size, 9 1/2 in. x 8 1/2 in. Weight, 2 lb. 8 oz. Height, 3 1/2 in.

THIS is a particularly comfortable saddle and suitable for very heavy use. The leather top is cut from the finest middlings, being most carefully shaped and exceedingly well finished, and this is supported on three stranded wire coil springs, which are in turn supported on the Brooks Patent Six-wire Bracket.

B 85 L (Ladies’ model) is similarly designed.

B 85 Enamel 30/6
B 85 L Nickel 35/-

B 95
Road Saddle

Gentlemen’s model only-Size, 10 1/2 in. x 8 1/2 in. Weight, 2 lb. 11 oz. Height, 3 1/2 in.

In this model the two coil springs at the rear are supplemented by a loop spring at the front. This arrangement of spring has been found to give very great comfort. The base of this saddle is formed from a four-wire bracket which, while strong and sufficiently rigid, gives a certain amount of springiness to the seat.

B 95 Enamel, 29/6 Nickel, 34/6

[Printed page 33, recto. Two colour plates of leather cycle saddles in side elevation, the lower with a tool bag strapped behind.]

B 28
Road Saddle

Gentlemen’s model only-Size, 10 1/2 in. x 8 1/2 in. Weight, 2 lb. 10 oz. Height, 2 3/8 in.
Size 3-Size, 12 in. x 9 1/2 in. Weight, 2 lb. 15 oz. Height, 2 7/8 in.

THIS is an exceedingly comfortable saddle affording a very low seating position without detracting from its resiliency. The front loop coil spring is adopted, and a stranded wire loop coil at the rear is assisted by rubber buffers. The whole arrangement is very neat and compact, and the tension screw for adjustment is readily accessible.

B 28 Size 1-Enamel, 33/3 Nickel, 39/6
B 28 Size 3-Enamel only, 39/-

“The Release” Hammock Saddle

Gentlemen’s model only-Size, 11 1/2 in. x 9 in. Weight, 3 lb. 6 oz. Height, 4 in.

This model is designed on unusual lines and provides a most easy riding seat. The weight is evenly supported on extra long springs, which are extended both in front and behind the seat. The spring-wire frame is looped at front and rear to give additional smoothness to the motion.

Release Hammock Enamel, 39/6 Nickel, 47/- (Without Tool Bag).
Release Hammock Enamel, 49/- Nickel, 56/6 (Complete with Tool Bag, as B2769 shown on page 37).

— Printed pages 38 and 39 —

[Printed page 38, verso. A colour plate of a triangular frame bag, dimensioned 19 inches along the top and 12 and a half inches deep.]

Cycle Frame Bag

B 2038 is an excellent frame bag, being roomy and perfectly weatherproof.

It is made of the best waterproof canvas, brown tan, or tweed, and cloth lined-it is stiffened and fitted with rubber buffers to keep it clear of the top frame tube, thus avoiding the fouling of gear levers, wires, etc.

B 2036 is very similar, in both size and shape, to the pattern illustrated and described above. The material is superior waterproof canvas, three straps are fitted instead of lock, and the sides only are stiffened, the gussets being collapsible. Lined cambric throughout.

B 2034 is a somewhat similar bag, but two straps and ring lock are fitted instead of three straps, and the material of which it is made is a cheaper quality canvas.

B 2038, with lock as illustrated – 38/-
B 2036, with three straps instead of lock 29/6
B 2034, with two straps and ring lock – 22/-

[Printed page 39, recto. A large bird’s-eye perspective view of the works, showing a long multi-storey range of buildings with saw-tooth roofs and a chimney, above a boxed note.]

Note

UNDER present conditions all prices are subject to revision without notice.

Orders can only be accepted at the prices current on the date of despatch of goods.

Current prices will always be quoted on application.

— Back cover —

[Back cover. Green printed card, blank but for the trade mark and the printer’s imprint at the foot.]

BROOKS
(REGISTERED TRADE MARK)

BUCKLER & WEBB LTD.
PRINTERS, BIRMINGHAM