Claud Butler 1949 Catalog — Lightweight Bicycles and Tandems, from the Avant Coureur to the Polobike

The 1949 Claud Butler catalog, held as the panels of a folded sheet. Some panels were scanned cut short at an edge, and a reading marked [?] is uncertain in the scan.

— Front cover —
Claud Butler
LIGHTWEIGHT
BICYCLES
“The Champions’ Choice”

1949

C. B. WORKS · CLAPHAM MANOR ST.
LONDON, S.W.4, ENGLAND
PHONE: MACaulay 4583
GRAMS: BUTLER MACaulay 4583

[Front cover: a red and black drawing of a racing cyclist in a striped jersey and a cap lettered “CB” crouched over a red lightweight bicycle with two bottles on the handlebars and a number 14 plate, beside a gold band down the left edge that carries the year. A purple dealer’s rubber stamp is pressed across the lower part of the drawing, reading “STOCKISTS & SERVICE AGENTS / BACHE BROS. / STOURBRIDGE ROAD / LYE, STOURBRIDGE.” with its first letter partly lost on the gold band.]

— Page 1 —
1 2 3
4 5

EXCLUSIVE “C.B.” REFINEMENTS

(1) Claud Butler “Closed Circuit” lugs. A new and exclusive style introduced on models 6 and 8. Note the C.B. “Polygon” head fittings standard on models 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 25.

(2) Head of the “Sport Anglais” frame (Models 3, 4 and 5). Illustrating the famous C.B. “Bi-laminated” principle of frame construction. Head fittings shown here are the C.B. “Club” pattern used on models 3 to 5 and 9 to 24.

(3) An improved version of the C.B. “Bi-laminated” head. Standard on models 1, 2 and 25. Note the C.B. “Olympic” head badge.

(4) C.B. “Continental” head lugs. Featured on models 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 24.

(5) The C.B. “Low-temperature-process” welded head, standard on models 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

(6) C.B. “Path” rear ends as on all Track frames.

(7) C.B. “Continental” rear ends. A feature on all Club models except “Super Velo,” “Allrounder” and “Supreme Tourer.”

(8) C.B. Forward-opening rear ends as fitted to “Super Velo,” “Allrounder” and “Supreme Tourer” models.

6 7 8
9 10

FORK CROWNS
“C.B.” drop-forged steel “Bastide” type two-plate fork crowns, No. 9 with oval blades, No. 10 with ⅞” round blades. Neater in appearance, 50% stronger than the malleable type.

SEAT CLUSTERS
No. 11 as on “Super Arrow,” “Super Velo” and “Allrounder” models, No. 12 as “Closed Circuit” and Path models, No. 13 as on “International” and “Continental Club.”

11 12 13

Note the new “C.B.” detachable seat clip, standard equipment on most of the welded models.

1

[Page of frame details: five drawings of head lugs and head fittings in rounded red frames above a gold laurel wreath that encloses the numbered notes. Below are drawings of three rear ends, two fork crowns in a gold frame and three seat clusters on a red sunburst band, each numbered to match the text.]

— Page 2 —
“LADY LIGHTWEIGHT”
Model No. 21. Illustrated below. Rigidity positively equal to gent’s machine. Brazed lug construction, “Special Lightweight” rims, Sturmey-Archer “A.M.” 3-speed gear, all alloy components, finished “C.B.” Metallic Lustre with contrast lines and chromium fork crown.
Model No. 22. “Lady’s International.” Same design, with “C.B.” welded frame, Endrick rims, fixed and free wheel, chrome fork crown and steel equipment, Metallic Lustre finishes.
(Both models “531” butted throughout)

Sizes 20″, 21″ and 22″

[Panel showing a line drawing of a lady’s lightweight bicycle with a dropped top tube, mudguards and raised handlebars below a gold-framed text box describing two ladies’ models. A purple dealer’s rubber stamp at the upper right reads “STOCKISTS & SERVIC”, “BACHE B”, “STOURBRIDG” and “LYE. STOURB”, each line cut off at the right edge of the scan and completed on the adjoining panel. A double-line arc at the right edge just below the stamp belongs to a second drawing that the scan cuts off.]

— Page 3 —
‘Wally’ Summers

Wally’ Summers and ‘Harry’ Grant, champion motor-paced riders, holders of International records on ‘C.B.’ bicycles

‘Harry’ Grant
‘CYCLING’ PHOTO

“SUPER ARROW” MODELS
A very reasonably priced general purpose mount, built with “531” tubing on real lightweight lines. Incorporating Endrick rims, Sports tyres, comfort saddle and raised bars, two brakes and free wheel.
“C.B.” glass-hard enamel finish in Red, Green or Blue, with contrasting colour lining to all frame tubes. Chromium fork crown and fittings.
Model No. 29—
Gent’s, Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″.
Model No. 29L—
Lady’s,[?] Sizes 20″, 21″ and 22″.

“SUPER VELO” MODELS
Built with “531” tubing to angles of 73° head and 71° seat, with 41″ wheelbase. The ideal mount on which to commence your “club” activities, it possesses the authentic “lines” and genuine stamp of the real thoroughbred. Finished Blue, Red or Green enamel, with contrasting lining and chrome fork crown. Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″.
Model No. 28. As illustrated on left, Endrick rims, double cog rear hub (fixed and free), two brakes, alloy mudguards, etc.
Model No. 28A. Similar to above, but with one brake and two fixed cogs to rear hub.
Model No. 30. Stripped of mudguards and fitted with High Pressure tyres and rims, Simplex 3-speed derailleur gear and two brakes.

YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS REAL LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLING

3

[Panel headed by a gray painting of motor-paced track racing, with riders in striped jerseys behind pacing motorcycles and two round inset portraits of riders, above two gold-framed text boxes and line drawings of a lady’s bicycle with raised handlebars and a club bicycle with dropped handlebars and mudguards. A gold brush band crosses the foot of the panel. A purple dealer’s rubber stamp at the left edge reads “E AGENTS”, “ROS.”, “E ROAD” and “RIDGE.”, the ends of lines begun on the adjoining panel, and is pressed over part of the club bicycle drawing.]

— Page 4 —
“AVANT COUREUR” MODELS

With bi-laminated head (as item 3, page 1) and chain stays, “531” butted tubing throughout, 74° head, 72° seat, 23″ top tube, 41″ wheelbase, 10½” bracket with 27’s. Large flange hubs, Simplex gears, all alloy components.

Model No. 1, Mk. I, as illustrated. “Club” model with alloy rims, High Pressure tyres, 3-speed gear. Metallic Lustre finish with contrast lining to all frame tubes and chrome plated fork crown.

Model No. 2, Mk. II. Racing model, alloy sprints, tubulars, 4-speed gear, alloy bars, stem, guards and brakes. Metallic Lustre finish with contrast lining and chrome fork crown.

Sizes 22½” to 24½”

THE INEVITABLE CHOICE OF THE CONNOISSEUR

[Panel showing a gold trophy cup on a black plinth beside a gold oval that encloses the model text, above a line drawing of a club bicycle with dropped handlebars, mudguards and a derailleur gear. The panel slogan runs across the foot in red capitals.]

— Page 5 —
“CLOSED CIRCUIT” MODELS
“531” butted tubing throughout. 72½° parallel angles, 22½” top tube, 42¼” wheelbase, 2¾” fork offset, 10¾” bracket with 27’s. New C.B. “Polygon” head fittings. Finished Metallic Lustre with contrast lines and chrome fork crown.
Model No. 7, Mk. I, illustrated below. Welded frame, 1⅛” dia. top tube, Simplex 8-speed gear with chain-wheel derailleur, sprint rims, Campagnolo Q.R. hubs, steel stem, alloy bend.
Model No. 6, Mk. II. Brazed frame (lugs as item 1, page 1). Continental “Unit” hubs, 4-speed Simplex, sprint rims.
Model No. 8, Mk. III. Brazed frame as above. Fitted out as a “Club” mount with High Pressure tyres and rims, Simplex 3-speed and “Continental” mudguards.

Sizes 21½” to 24½”

“CONTINENTAL CLUB” MODELS
Brazed lug construction (item 4, page 1). 73° head, 71° seat, 22⅞” top tube, 41″ wheelbase, 2¼” fork offset, “531” butted tubing. Finished Metallic Lustre with contrasting lines and chrome fork crown.
Model No. 17, Mk. II. Fitted out as a “Club” model with High Pressure tyres and rims, Simplex 3-speed and alloy equipment.
Model No. 19, Mk. III. “Time trial” model. As above but with double-cog rear hub and one brake.
Model No. 20, Mk. IV, as illustrated. “Road Racing” assembly. Alloy sprints, tubulars, Simplex 3-speed. No mudguards.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″

“INTERNATIONAL CLUB” MODELS
C.B. Low-temperature-process welded construction (item 5, page 1). 73° head, 71° seat, 22⅞” top tube, 41″ wheelbase, 2¼” fork offset, “531” butted tubing. Metallic Lustre finish with contrast lines and chrome crown.
Model No. 13, Mk. I. Illustrated. With High Pressure tyres and rims, Simplex 3-speed, all alloy parts.
Model No. 14, Mk. IV. “Time trial” model. As above but with double fixed cog rear hub and one brake.
Model No. 16, Mk. II. Another “Club” assembly with alloy rims and “Sprite” tyres, Simplex 3-speed and alloy equipment.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″

[Tall panel with three line drawings of racing and club bicycles stacked down a white field edged with torn gold brushwork, each below its block of model text and joined to it by thin red bracket lines. The top machine has a derailleur gear and dropped handlebars with no mudguards, the middle one is a road racing machine without mudguards and the bottom one is a club machine with mudguards and a frame pump.]

— Page 6 —
“POLOBIKE”

Model No. 32. The famous C.B. “Shortbase” design (36¼” overall wheelbase) as illustrated. Robust construction incorporating heavy gauge tubing. Westwood rims, 40 spokes front and rear, studded tyres, Dunlop saddle, 22T chainring with 6″ cranks, 20T rear cog. Finished in club colours, for example: White frame diamond, Red stays and fork, Blue band on seat tube.

THE NEW “BREVIT CLUB” MODELS

Especially designed for riders of less than average height and reach. 70° [?] parallel head and seat, 21½” top tube, 2¼” [?] fork offset, 40¼” wheelbase. Metallic Lustre finish, contrast lines, chrome fork crown.

Model No. 12, Mk. I, illustrated. Brazed frame with C.B. “Continental” lugs (item 4, page 1). Assembled as a racing machine with alloy sprints, Simplex 3-speed, alloy bends, steel stem and G.B. brakes.

Model No. 11, Mk. II. Welded frame (item 5, page 1), High Pressure tyres and rims, Continental mudguards, double cog rear hub, one brake.

Sizes 20½”, 21½” and 22½”

“DE LUXE” TOURERS

Model No. 18, Mk. I, as illustrated. Brazed frame (as item 4, page 1). Oilbath gear case, Cantilever brakes, Endrick rims, Sturmey-Archer 4-speed, alloy handlebars and pedals. Finished in lustrous Dark Green enamel, lined gold, chrome crown.

Model No. 15, Mk. IV. Welded construction (item 5, page 1). Cyclo 3-speed (no gearcase). Finish as above.

Model No. 3, Mk. III. Frame as item 2, page 1, with alloy rims, Tourist “Sprite” tyres, Simplex 3-speed and all alloy parts. Finish as above.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″ [?]

[Line drawings of three Claud Butler bicycles with the text printed in orange-red: a short-wheelbase polo bicycle with studded tires at top right, a lightweight club racer with drop handlebars, mudguards and a derailleur gear at center left, and a gentleman’s tourer with a full oil-bath chaincase, mudguards and flat handlebars at bottom right. A gray halftone tint covers the top-left corner behind a diagonal edge, and a tan strip runs along the bottom edge.]

— Page 7 —
“MISS MODERN” MODELS

Primarily designed for the modern racing girl but equally suitable for fast club-riding. Welded frame with 70° head, 70° seat, 40½” wheelbase, 2½” fork offset, clearance for 26″ or 27″ wheels. Short top tube giving natural riding position with normal racing equipment. “531” butted tubing throughout. Finished Metallic Lustre with contrast lines and chrome fork crown.

Model No. 9, Mk.I. As illustrated. Includes High Pressure tyres and rims, Simplex 3-speed gear, alloy bars, stem pedals, brakes and guards.

Model No. 10, Mk. II. As above, but fitted out with Endrick rims, double cog rear hub, “Sprite” tyres, chrome plated brakes and pedals.

Sizes 20½”, 21½” and 22½”

[An orange-red line drawing of a young woman in a full-skirted dress, a headscarf and high-heeled shoes stands at upper left, framed by a looping gold ribbon that crosses the page. Below is a line drawing of a Claud Butler lightweight bicycle with drop handlebars, mudguards, a derailleur gear and an inflator on the down tube, with the text printed in orange-red at upper right.]

— Page 8 —
“ALLROUNDER” MODELS

Special all-purpose design incorporating 73° head and 71° seat, 22¾” top tube and 41″ wheelbase. Welded construction, “531” tubing. Finished in coloured glass-hard enamel with contrast lines. Chrome plated fork crown and front and rear ends.

Model No. 26, Mk. I. Illustrated. With alloy handlebar bend and stem, High Pressure tyres and rims, alloy brakes and Continental mudguards. Cyclo “Ace” derailleur gear or to order.

Model No. 27, Mk. II. As above, but with alloy rims, “Sprite” tyres, Simplex 3-speed.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″

“SPORT ANGLAIS” MODEL

Bi-laminated frame construction with “531” butted tubing throughout (item 2, page 1). 74° head, 72° seat, 23″ top tube, 40½” wheelbase, 10½” bottom bracket (with 26’s). Clearance for 27″ wheels. Finished Metallic Lustre with contrast lines. Chromium fork crown.

Model No. 5, Mk. I. With High Pressure tyres and rims, double sided rear hub, alloy handlebar bend, stem, brakes and mudguards.

Model No. 4, Mk. II. As above, but with alloy rims, “Sprite” tyres and Simplex 3-speed gear.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″

“SUPREME TOURER”

Model No. 31. An ideal mount for business riding, week ending and the annual tour.

Built with Reynolds “531” tubing and equipped with Endrick rims, Sports tyres, Sturmey-Archer 3-speed gear and hub brakes. Spring top saddle. Rubber pedals, celluloid mudguards. Finished Black on Green “C.B. Crackle,” with chromium plated fork crown and fittings throughout.

Sizes 22″, 23″ and 24″

[A tall panel with line drawings of three Claud Butler bicycles linked by sweeping red brush strokes: a lightweight with drop handlebars and mudguards at top left, a second drop-handlebar lightweight with mudguards at center right and a tourer with flat handlebars and mudguards at bottom left, with the text printed in orange-red beside each. The top edge is ragged with tan discoloration, and a faint horizontal crease crosses the lower part of the panel through the “SUPREME” heading.]

— Page 9 —
TOURING

Model 35W, Mk.I. Welded frame, Cyclo 3-speed gear, hub brakes. Steel handlebar bends and stem. White celluloid mudguards. Finish Blue Metallic Lustre with White lining. Chrome fork crown.

Model 36, Mk. II. Welded frame. Club riding and general purpose mount with Simplex 3-speed gear and Cantilever brakes. Metallic Gunmetal Grey Lustre finish, contrast lines, chrome fork crown.

“RANGER” MODEL

Patent C.B. Shortbase design illustrated, rear top tube gives ample space for back rider. “531” butted tubing throughout. 71° head, 69° front seat, 67° rear seat.

Tandems

TRACK

“COMPETITION RECORD” MODEL

“C.B.” Patented design. 74° head, 72° front seat, 70° rear seat. Wheelbase 60″, 23″ rear top tube.

Model 33W, Mk. I. Welded frame, “double diamond” design. “Sprite” tyres, G.B. brakes and Simplex 3-speed. Bronze Metallic Lustre finish with contrast lining. Chrome fork crown.

Model 34, Mk. II. Track model, as illustrated on right. Welded construction, 1″ pitch transmission. Sprint rims and tubulars. “Sprinter” saddles. Finished Silver with Red “Path” lines, and chrome fork crown.

[A tall tandem panel headed “TOURING” and “TRACK” in white letters on black bands, with the word “Tandems” in large white script across a gold brushed band at center. A halftone drawing at top shows a touring couple with their tandem outside a half-timbered inn beside a signpost, and a second at center right shows two tandem crews racing on a banked track; line drawings show a drop-handlebar touring tandem with mudguards and a track tandem without brakes or mudguards. Gold brush strokes mark the lower corners, and a faint horizontal crease crosses the lower part of the panel through the “COMPETITION” heading.]

— Page 10 —
“CB” PATH MODELS

As victoriously ridden by the world’s greatest sprinters in National, International and Olympic competition since 1930. The present design is a direct result of this accumulated experience. 75° head, 72° seat, 23⅛” top tube, 23¼” front, 17⅜” backs, 1 13/16″ fork offset, 11″ bracket height with 27’s. (See also items 6 and 12 on page 1.) Finished C.B. famous Silver with contrast lining, decorative bands and chromium fork crown.

Model No. 23. “International Path” with welded frame, 1″ pitch double roller chain and High Pressure tyres and rims.

Model No. 24. “World’s Championship Path” with brazed frame, C.B. “Continental” lugs, 1″ pitch block chain, alloy sprint rims and Dunlop tubulars.

Model No. 25. “Olympic Path” with bi-laminated frame construction throughout. Block chain, large flange hubs, alloy sprint rims, Dunlop tubulars.

Sizes from 20½” up

[A line drawing of a Claud Butler track bicycle with drop handlebars, a fixed wheel and no brakes or mudguards sits below a gold frame whose tab carries the heading in large white italic letters. Gray halftone shapes, the edge of an illustration that continues beyond the panel, run along the top edge.]

— Page 11 —
CLAUD BUTLER—the man you are dealing with!

STILL A PERSONAL CONCERN, WITH PERSONAL SUPERVISION THROUGHOUT

SCIENTIFIC DESIGN

INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION

EFFICIENT ASSEMBLY

“KB” DESIGNS LTD

B. B. Ltd.

11

[A circular portrait photograph of a man in a jacket and tie sits at upper right above three overlapping workshop photographs in red-ruled frames: a man in a pinstripe jacket drawing a bicycle frame at a drafting board, a craftsman in a waistcoat and apron working beside a brazing hearth with a frame set up on it, and a mechanic holding the front wheel of an assembled Claud Butler bicycle. The heading is printed in red and the three captions are lettered in white on the photographs; the “KB” DESIGNS LTD line (white, reversed out of the gold), the red “B. B. Ltd.” line and the red number “11” sit on a gold brushed band at the foot of the panel.]