Hetchins 1938 Catalog — Brilliant, Anglo Continental, Tour de France and Toni Merkens Models and the Short Wheel-Base Tandem, with Two Letters

— Page 1 (front cover) —
LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLE
&
TANDEM
MANUFACTURERS
SEASON 1938
Hetchin’s
798/800, SEVEN SISTERS ROAD,
TOTTENHAM, N.15.
Phone: STA 4738.
[Front cover printed in dark green and black on yellow card inside a heavy green double border. The name “Hetchin’s” runs uphill across the center in a large shaded script with a long underline swash. The trade description is set in italic capitals at upper left, “SEASON 1938” in small bold capitals at upper right and the address and telephone number in bold condensed capitals at lower right. There is no picture.]

— Page 2 (inside front cover) —
Guarantee.
HETCHIN’S GUARANTEE that all Cycles and Tandems are built on our premises, and that all reasonable precautions have been taken to secure excellence of materials and workmanship. Should any defect occur during a period of five years, we undertake to repair or replace, free of charge, providing same is returned carriage paid.
We do not hold ourselves responsible for any consequential damage or any expense which may result from defective material or workmanship.
This Guarantee does not cover machines bought second-hand or where alterations and repairs have been made by other firms. Other firms specialities, such as Tyres, Brakes, Speed Gears, etc., are not covered by our guarantee, these are usually covered by their manufacturers and in such cases we undertake to give every assistance in obtaining satisfactory settlement.
Prices subject to alteration without notice.
CASH ORDERS.
A deposit of 20s. or more is required with definite order. Balance of cash price is payable on completion of machine, when statement of account is submitted to customer.
TERMS.
If so desired terms can be arranged.
CARRIAGE.
Cycles, tandems and frames are sent carriage paid and packed free by passenger train to the the nearest railway station, to any part of England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales. Customers should thoroughly inspect all machines before signing the Railway Company’s receipt, and they should only sign unexamined. Should the machine be damaged in transit the station authorities must be notified immediately, also Hetchin’s.
This catalogue cancels all previous issues.
[Text page printed in black on the yellow inside cover. A blackletter heading “Guarantee.” sits over a short rule; below it the page is set in two columns divided by a vertical rule, with a large drop capital opening the Guarantee text at left and three small bold subheads at right. A short rule closes each column above a one-line footnote. A small tear runs down from the top edge at upper right and a binding staple shows at the right edge. There is no picture.]

— Page 3 (printed Page One) —
INTRODUCTION.
IN offering you this catalogue and introducing our products, we can definitely say they are the finest obtainable. As we do not have to pay for extensive advertising, our prices compare favourably with all others; and we incur no bad debts which you yourself would have to pay for in the long run.
Why this catalogue was made. Our business has always been conducted on the basis of personal attention. Owing however to the increased popularity of our Cycles and the pressing demand for an illustrated catalogue of the latest models, we feel sure that this catalogue will be well received.
The Cyclist. The wants of the genuine cyclist are faithfully considered and no specifications are incorporated without a guarantee of their utility.
Methods. We do not employ mass production and slip-shod methods, every cycle frame and all forks are individually built to the customers’ own requirements.
Conscientious Work. Our men have a thorough and scientific knowledge of frame construction and take a real pride in their work. You can therefore be confident that all models given out are technically perfect.
Solely on merit. Our business has been built entirely on recommendation and the output shows a large percentage increase every season. We have built a reputation for fine craftmanship and quality machines second to none.
Weight Reduction. In this sphere of cycle building, frames can only be built to a minimum weight and lugs turned down to a certain extent. Tubing of too light a gauge loses that rigidity and responsiveness which is so essential to the racing man. Although we can build down to any competitive weight, we only use materials of proven quality. For all that, our machine is made lighter by our own methods, and the best of England’s riders have proved their reliability.
Page One
[Text page set in two columns divided by a vertical rule under the spaced capital heading “INTRODUCTION.” and a short rule. The text opens with a drop capital and each later paragraph begins with a bold run-in subhead; short centered rules separate the paragraphs. The folio sits at lower right. There is no picture.]

— Page 4 (printed Page Two) —
HETCHINS’ CUT OUT LUG WORK.
We cut out our lugs with a fancy design as a distinguishing mark, although any jagged cut with a hacksaw would serve the purpose.
But if you study the lugs on our Competition model, you will find that only the top and sides are cut away, and NOT the under side and backs which support the weight and “bind” the complete triangle. The cutaway portion leaves the rest as two splines running along the tubes, which makes the lugs stronger. The more intricate the lug work, the higher the breaking point. The circumference of a plain lug at the point it meets the tube is approx. 3⅛”, but at the point (taking the Top lug for example) where our competition model meets the tube it is approx. 5¾”, or theoretically equivalent to a plain lug on a 1¾” tube.
The severest strain on any lug joint is where the two tubes meet in a mitre under lug, and NOT where the tube emerges from the lug. Over this point the lug is NOT filed away, but is merely tapered to meet the tube, and as the weakest point is the actual angle of the lug joint, and the lug is in NO way thinned at this point,no rigidity is lost whatsoever.
The greatest “enemy” of the cycle frame is NOT cutaway lugs but extremely thin-gauge tubing now in demand to lessen weight.
The cut-out lug strengthens the frame.
A lug cut out as in our Competition Model, acts as a cushion for the vibrations along the frame tubes, as they spread to the lugs, and the tapered lug in the “Brilliant” model has the same effect. This has the effect of retarding crystallization, which is inevitable. ALL our lugs are cut away and filed to a taper BEFORE brazing, and we find that for the head lug alone at least 15 seconds less is required to braze the joint, saving valuable minutes under the flame as compared with the plain lug machine, and lessening any possibility of “burning the tubing. Hence we claim that ALL our frames, built on these principles, MUST be superior since there is less temper taken from the tubing.
Page Two
[A boxed halftone photograph at top center, under the spaced capital caption, shows four loose unbrazed lugs on a plain light ground, each with deeply cut spiked and scalloped edges. The lug at top center is turned to show its open tube socket end-on and the piece at right is a compact fitting with several sockets. The text wraps around the photograph in two narrow columns at the top and runs on below in two wider columns divided by a vertical rule; the folio sits at lower right.]

— Page 5 (printed Page Three) —
HETCHINS COMPETITION ROAD
OR PATH MODEL.
Weight from 16½ lbs.
FRAME … Built of Chater-Lea Lugs and Fittings. Reynolds 531 Tubing, Chater-Lea Chain Wheel and Cranks fluted or to Order. Frame size, wheelbase and angles to order.
FORKS … As desired.
WHEELS … Constrictor Conloy with Airlite Hubs, Tied and Soldered.
TYRES … Tubulars, Dunlop Cotton, file or smooth band
BARS … Brazed up cut-away to match Frame lugs or to Order.
SADDLE … New Brcoks Conloy frame or B.17 Champion
BRAKE … Special Alloy.
CHAIN … Elite ½” × ⅛”
PEDALS … B.O.A. or to order
FINISH … Chrome all over or as desired.
EQUIPMENT … Pump and Reflector with Tecalemit Oil Gun
Never before has such exquisite and unique workmanship been displayed in cycle construction.
With Vibrant or Ordinary Rear Triangle.
Cash Price B.S.A or Chater-Lea Fittings. £14-17-6
With high pressures & “Solite” or Featherweight Hubs & Guards £13-7-6
Page Three
[A boxed halftone photograph at right shows a lightweight bicycle in right-facing profile with a single rear sprocket and no gear mechanism. It has dropped handlebars with one brake lever, a caliper brake at the fork crown, a short front mudguard, a leather saddle and a pump carried under the top tube. The chain stays have a wavy curve, the chainwheel is pierced with a decorative pattern and the pedals are of the rat-trap type. The specification table is set at left, the slogan is centered under the photograph and the price block runs across the foot of the page above the folio at lower right.]

— Page 6 (printed Page Four) —
HETCHIN’S BRILLIANT NO. 3 VIBRANT.
Weight from 8½ lbs.
The Brilliant has been designed solely for the racing man, a semi upright model allowing full scope for position and fitted with our Rear Vibrant Triangle (patent No. 443454). The Vibratory action caused when riding over uneven ground lessens the retarding force on rear wheel, resulting in less loss of speed
The test made regarding rigidity on the chain stays: we found that owing to the rake in stays the resistance put up was a fraction over 4% more than straight stays of same gauge tubing. The triangle is not intended to spring, only to vibrate at rear ends and take off all dead shock from the apex.
Built of Reynolds 531 Tubing
Wheelbase 40½”. Bracket Height 10¾”.
Head 74° Seat 72°
This model can also be built entirely your own design at no extra charge.
CHROME PLATED ALL OVER OR AS DESIRED.
Cash Price As illustrated with C.1000 Chainwheel set and H.M. Seat Pin £5-19-6
SUPER BRILLIANT With B.S.A. or Chater-Lea Fittings £6-19-6
Page Four
[A large boxed halftone photograph at left shows a bare frame and fork in right-facing profile, with a seat pin and a chainwheel and cranks fitted but no wheels, saddle or pedals. The chain stays have a pronounced wavy curve while the seat stays run straight; the lugs are plain, without cut-out work, and small fittings show on the down tube and the fork blades. The descriptive text and geometry figures are set in a column at right and the price block runs across the foot of the page above the folio at lower right.]

— Page 7 (printed Page Five) —
HETCHIN’S BRILLIANT NO. 3.
Weight from 22¼ lbs.
FRAME … Built of Reynolds 531 Tubing, Size to Order Either Semi-Upright or ordinary, Lugs cut out to an unique design and filed to safety limits, Bracket Height 10¾ in. Wheel base 40½ in. Head 74°. Seat 72°.
FORKS … 531 Butted ⅞ in. to ⅝ [?] in. round. Hetchin’s Special Rake or to order.
WHEELS … Dunlop High Pressure. B.W. Hubs. Fitted with Dunlop Tyres either Pattern.
BARS … Any popular bend with H.M Stem.
TRANSMISSION … Elite, C.1000 Chain Wheel Set
SADDLES … Ormond, or B.17 Champion.
BRAKES … Special Light Steel
PEDALS … B.O.A. or Webb Solid Centre.
GUARDS … Bluemels No Weight, Black or White.
Standard Finish … Enamelled any colour with Chrome Rear Triangle, Head and Forks all over. International Chevrons
EQUIPMENT … Pump, Reflector and Tecalemit Oil Gun.
With Vibrant or Ordinary Rear Triangle.
Cash Price
BRILLIANT No. 3. Standard Finish. Brampton Fittings. £10-5-0
Bright Flamboyant or All Chrome Finish 5/- Extra.
SUPER BRILLIANT. With Chater-Lea or B.S.A. Fittings & Solite or Featherweight Hubs, wheels tied and soldered. £11-17-6
ALL CHROME OR BRIGHT FLAMBOYANT
EXTRA for Constrictor FIRST CHOICE Sprint and Rims Dunlop Cotton Tyres smooth or file Bands, on any above model £1-12-6
Page Five
[A boxed halftone photograph at right shows a complete lightweight bicycle in right-facing profile with full mudguards and a mudflap on the front guard. It has dropped handlebars with a brake lever, a caliper brake at the fork crown, a leather saddle, a single rear sprocket with no gear mechanism and chain stays with a wavy curve. A pump is clipped along the down tube, which carries the name “HETCHINS” in capital letters. The specification table is set at left and the price block runs across the foot of the page above the folio at lower right.]

— Page 8 (printed Page Six) —
HETCHIN’S BRILLIANT NO. 2.
Weight from 22½ lbs.
FRAME … Built of Reynolds 531 Tubing, Size to Order, Either Semi-Upright or ordinary, Lugs cut out to an unique design and filed to safety limits, Bracket Height 10¾ in. Wheel base 40½ in.
FORKS … 531 Butted ⅞ in. to ⅝ [?] in round. Hetchin’s Special Rake or to order.
WHEELS … Dunlop High Pressure. B.W. Hubs. Fitted with Dunlop Tyres either Pattern.
BARS … Any popular bend with H.M. Stem.
TRANSMISSION … C.1000 Chain Wheel Set.
SADCLES … Ormond, B.17 Champion or Dunlop Special
BRAKES … Special Light Steel.
PEDALS … Webb Solid Centre.
GUARDS … Bluemels No Weight, Black or White.
Standard Finish … In 2 colours and lined with Chrome Crown, Front and Rear Ends. (Lustre or Enamel).
EQUIPMENT … Pump, Reflector and Tecalemit Oil Gun.
With Vibrant or Ordinary Rear Triangle.
Cash Price BRILLIANT No. 2. Brampton Fittings. £9-10-0
Page Six
[A boxed halftone photograph at right shows a complete lightweight bicycle in right-facing profile with full mudguards and a mudflap on the front guard. It has dropped handlebars, a leather saddle, a single rear sprocket with no gear mechanism and chain stays with a wavy curve; the frame tubes are dark while the fork and the rear ends show a bright finish. A pump is clipped along the down tube. The specification table is set at left and the price line runs across the foot of the page above the folio at lower right.]

— Page 9 (printed Page Seven) —
HETCHIN’S BRILLIANT NO. 1.
Weight from 24½ lbs.
FRAME … Built of Reynolds 531 Butted Tubes, Size to Order, either Semi Upright or Upright. Lugs cut to an Unique Design and filed to safety limits, Bracket Height 10¾ in. Wheelbase 40½ in
FORKS … 531 Butted ⅞ in. to ⅝ in. round Hetchin’s Rake
WHEELS … Endrick 23 gauge B.W. Hubs.
TYRES … Sprites or ‘Pixie”
BARS … Any popular pattern.
TRANSMISSION … Coventry C1,000 Chain Wheel Set
SADDLE … Ormond, Dunlop Special or Brooks B 17.
BRAKE … Special light Steel
PEDALS … Webb solid centre.
GUARDS … No weight, Black or White.
FINISH … Black or colour. including Lustres, with Chrome, Crown, Front and Rear ends.
EQUIPMENT … Pump, Reflector and Tecalemit Oil Gun.
With Vibrant or Ordinary Rear Triangle.
Cash Price BRILLIANT No. 1. Brampton Fittings. £8-19-6
A specially designed, short Wheelbase Diamond Frame LADIES’ MODEL, specification as above can be supplied AT SAME PRICE.
Page Seven
[A boxed photograph to the right of the specification shows a complete diamond-frame bicycle facing right, with straight seat and chain stays, drop handlebars with light-colored grips, one brake lever with its cable, a leather saddle, full mudguards with a mudflap on the front guard, a pump fitted along the down tube and a single chainwheel; the maker’s name is on the down tube. The specification is set as a two-column list on the left; the rear-triangle note, the cash price and the ladies’ model note run in centered lines across the full width below.]

— Page 10 (printed Page Eight) —
THIS “CONTINENTAL” CRAZE.
This last year has seen the adoption by the trade as well as the racing and club rider of continental ideas, both in fittings and “gadgets” and lately in frame design. Dealers have even imported complete machines by crack continental makers for use in this country and now we find them using mass-produced lugs, imported from abroad, for the building of their “Continental” machines, already cut out and ready for assembly into the machine.
We are justly proud of our reputation for the finest lug-work in the trade, without exception, and we have no desire to depart from our usual practice of using the finest English lugs, cut out scientifically and artistically by our own craftsmen, and hand-filed before brazing. We have proved this method to be the best, and we do not wish to depart from this practice, although it demands skill, care and time which these imported lugs would save, thereby reducing costs considerably.
But to suit any of our customers who may require a machine built with these lugs, we offer one of our new “Tour de France” models incorporating them, and this will be found in this list.
On the question of design, we pride ourselves on keeping ahead and abreast of the times, but we would point out that the slavish copying of Continental design is of NO use to riders in this country. The genuine Continental built machine is built for the purpose of racing over Continental roads—the notorious pavè—which is like our cobblestones, only worse! To this end, most of the machines used by the Continental cracks have long wheelbases (43½” is about the average) and are definitely NOT “upright” in design. For their purpose they are perfect, but of no more use in England than the normal English machine abroad.
Our “Continental” machines have therefore been designed to embody the best Continental practice, modified to suit English conditions, and are definitely the finest machines of this type offered to the present day rider.
Page Eight
[Text page with no illustration. The heading runs across the full width over a short rule, and the prose is set in two columns divided by a vertical rule; the left column runs on into the right column in mid-sentence.]

— Page 11 (printed Page Nine) —
THE “ANGLO CONTINENTAL”
Based on the best continental practice, modified to suit English Roads and conditions.
FRAME … Built of special lugs and Reynolds “531” butted tubing, 74 degrees head, 71 degrees seat-tube. Special wheel clearance in chain stays. Seat bridge re-inforced to take bolt-on brake.
FORKS … Special double plate fork crown with oval to round, special continental pattern blades.
WHEELS … Constrictor First Choice sprint rims, 26 in. or 27 in Built with Solite or Constrictor Light Steel hubs double butted spokes. tied and soldered.
TUBULARS … Dunlop cotton 27″ or 26″ smooth or file bands
BARS … Continental type with any length extension built up with lugs cut to match frame.
SADDLE … Brooks B17 range, or to order.
BRAKES … Two special light Continental steel bolt-on.
TRANSMISSION … Williams C1.000 or Continental Durex with fluted cranks.
PEDALS … B O.A or WEBB solid centre.
GEAR … Conloy Osgear (Simplex Professional 7/-) extra
FINISH … Special Continental colours, panelled and lined by hand, and International chevrons and chrome plated front and rear fork ends. Head lugs chrome also if desired, or chrome all over at no extra charge.
EQUIPMENT … Pump and Reflector. Tecalemit Oil Gun.
With Vibrant or Ordinary Rear Triangle.
Cash Price As specification £14-17-6
As above but with High Pressures and Conloy Osgear £12-15-0
Page Nine
[A boxed photograph on the left shows a complete diamond-frame bicycle facing right and fitted without full mudguards. It has drop handlebars with two brake levers and their cables, a leather saddle, a pump carried under the top tube, chevron transfers on the seat tube and the maker’s name on the down tube, a single chainwheel and a derailleur gear with a chain-tensioner arm at the rear hub. The heading and subtitle run across the full width; the specification is set in the right-hand column, and the rear-triangle note and the two cash prices run below both.]

— Page 12 (printed Page Ten) —
THE “TOUR DE FRANCE”
Our latest contribution for the “Continental-minded” Clubman.
FRAME … Built of genuine ‘Aerts’ Lugs and fork ends, components mainly Continental. Head 74½°, Seat 72°, Bottom Bracket 10¾ in., Wheel base 41¾ in. or to order.
FORKS … Genuine ‘Aerts’ Crown. Correct Oval to round Fork Blades. Special Rake.
WHEELS … High Pressure 26 in or 27 in Rims. Special light Hubs.
TYRES … Dunlop High Presure, File or Ribbed.
BARS … Continental type bend, any length extension, built up with lugs to match Frame.
SADDLE … Brooks B 17 Range Or to Order.
BRAKES … Two special light steel bolt on
TRANSMISSION … Williams special set with fluted cranks
PEDALS … Webb solid centre.
GEAR … Osgear Conloy.
FINISH … Special,Continental Colours, light blue and dark blue, or light green and dark green shaded lustre finish with special design Continental panelling and International bands
EQUIPMENT … Pump and Tecalemit Oil Gun.
Ordinary Seat stays only.
Cash Price as specification £11-12-6
HETCHINS TOUR DE FRANCE. Specification as Anglo-Continental Model with finest Chater-Lea Lugs, our own unique cut away design, Simplex Champion Du Monde Gear. Finish as above.
£12-15-0
Page Ten
[A boxed photograph to the right of the specification shows a complete diamond-frame bicycle facing right, fitted without mudguards, with drop handlebars with light-colored grips, two brake levers and their cables, a leather saddle, a pump carried under the top tube, a panel on the seat tube, the maker’s name on the down tube, a single chainwheel and a derailleur gear with a chain-tensioner arm at the rear hub. The note “Ordinary Seat stays only.” is underlined; the cash price and the Hetchins Tour de France paragraph with its price run across the full width below.]

— Page 13 (printed Page Eleven) —
“TONI MERKENS” MODEL.
FRAME … Reynolds 531 tubing, 74½° Head and 72° Seat Tube. 39½” Wheel base, Track rear ends. Frame size to order.
FORKS … Hetchins special Path Rake. 531 tubing
WHEELS … Constrictor Conloy rims. Airlite Continental Hubs Tied and soldered.
TUBULARS … Dunlop path.
SADDLE … Brook’s Sprinter, or to order
HANDLEBARS … To order.
PEDALS … B O.A. Webb or to order.
CHAINWHEEL & CRANKS … B S.A. or Chater Lea inch pitch set.
CHAIN … Block inch pitch 1 in. x ⅛ in. or 3/16 in
Cash Price
B.S.A. or Chater Lea fittings £14-17-6
Page Eleven
[A halftone photograph on the left, without a border, shows a smiling rider in a dark short-sleeved jersey with a badge on one sleeve and dark shorts, standing behind a track bicycle on a cycle-track surface and holding it by the handlebars and the saddle. The bicycle faces left and has dropped track handlebars, no brakes, no mudguards and pedals with toe clips. The heading runs across the top; the specification is set in the right-hand column with the cash price beneath it.]

— Page 14 (printed Page Twelve) —
SUPER SPRINTER MODEL
FRAME … Reynolds 531 tubing. 7½° [?] Head and 72½° Seat tube. Track rear ends. Frame size to order. 39½ in. wheelbase.
FORKS … 531 blades. Special path rake.
WHEELS … Constrictor Conloy rims. Constrictor light steel or Solite hubs. Single cog wide-flange rear. Tied and soldered.
TUBULARS … Dunlop path.
SADDLE … Brooks’ Sprinter.
HANDLEBARS … To order.
PEDALS … B.O.A. or Webb.
CHAINWHEEL and CRANKS … B.S.A. cr Chater-Lea inch pitch set.
CHAIN … Block inch pitch 1 in. x ⅛ in or 3/16 in
FINISH … All Chrome, or Bright Flamboyant and lined.
Cash Price With B.S.A or Chater-Lea Fittings £13-12-6
Page Twelve
[A boxed photograph on the left shows a track bicycle facing right, with dropped track handlebars, a leather saddle, the maker’s name on the down tube, a single chainwheel and pedals without toe clips. It has no brakes and no mudguards. The specification is set in the right-hand column; the cash price runs across the full width below.]

— Page 15 (printed Page Thirteen) —
HETCHIN’S BRILLIANT UPRIGHT MODEL
Weight from 44 lbs.
FRAME … Reynolds 531 Butted Tubing Double Diamond Tube or central design. Size to Order. Wheelbase 61 in. Brampton fittings.
FORKS … Reynolds 531, special rake or to order
WHEELS … Endrick Rims.
TYRES … Dunlop Tandem, Speed or Sprite.
SADDLES … Brooks B17 Champion, or to order.
BARS … Optional.
TRANSMISSION … Williams best Tandem sets.
BRAKES … Sturmey Archer hub brakes,
PEDALS … Webb solid centre.
GUARDS … Bluemels No weight.
FINISH … Any Colour with Chrome rear ends Head and Forks Chrome all over.
EQUIPMENT … Pump & Reflector Tecalemit Oil Gun.
Cash Price Brampton Fittings £16-10-0
With Cyclo Super Hub Brakes and Cyclo 3 Speed Gears £18-0-0
Chrome all over or bright flamboyant £1-10-0 extra
Any speed gear can be fitted to the Brilliant Tandem Model at Manufacturers’ Catalogue prices.
Page Thirteen
[A boxed photograph on the left shows a tandem facing right, with two leather saddles, drop handlebars at the front carrying a brake lever and a dark clamped-on object and a second set of handlebars for the rear rider mounted on the front seat pillar. A diagonal tube runs from the rear bottom bracket to the top of the front seat tube. It has full mudguards with a mudflap on the front guard and large hub shells front and rear; its two chainwheels are linked by a chain. The specification is set in the right-hand column; the cash prices run under the photograph and the gear note is centered across the foot of the page.]

— Page 16 (printed Page Fourteen) —
HETCHINS COMPETITION SHORT WHEEL-BASE TANDEM
Patent No. 19430/37.
After many years of experiment, we have produced an Ultra-short Wheelbase Tandem, which reduces the wheelbase to a reasonable minimum, but still retains an ample length top tube for both riders, allowing full scope for position without in any way cramping either. At the same time it has not been necessary to resort to curved tubes, or any freakish fittings. This machine has a 2¾” shorter wheelbase than hitherto possible with all straight tubes.
The rear seat tube and chain stays are Hetchins patents, and exclusive to this machine, and are a real engineering job, without copying any other design of Tandem on the market. The seat tube is gradually fluted at the last 7½” from a point ½” from the bracket shell, and allows a considerable shortening of the chain stays, and a closer fitting rear mud-guard than previously possible.
This portion of the seat tube has been heavily butted, thus strengthening it at a very vital part. Owing to its scientifically designed section, it acts as a girder, resisting side-play.
The patent chain stays which have solid mild steel insets, are specially made for us. Being of mild steel, they are definitely unbreakable compared with castings, & are much less prone to crystalization, which if it occurs, takes a very much greater period of time. Owing to their special shape, there is ample clearance for a tyre of 1⅜” Tandem section, not only when wheel is in place, but when fitted or withdrawn.
The angles of this Model are 73°, both seat tubes and the head being parallel. The top tube has 21¾” centres, both front and rear, which gives ample room to both riders, allowing the use of normal shaped bars, and without the need of freakishly long extensions.
Compared with a tandem of 67° [?] angles, with the full play of saddle adjustment, there is a gain of approximately 2″ in adjustment, or the equivalent of a 23¾” top tube.
We have incorporated in this machine our Patent “Vibrant” Rear Triangle (Pat. No. 443454) but if desired Ordinary Straight Seat and Chain Stays can be used.
[Text page with no illustration and no printed folio. The heading and the patent number run across the full width, and the prose is set in two columns divided by a vertical rule.]

— Page 17 (printed Page Fifteen) —
HETCHINS COMPETITION SHORT WHEEL-BASE TANDEM MODEL,
Weight from 41 lbs.
FRAME … Reynolds 531 butted Tubing, Double Diamond or Central Tube design Size to order, Wheelbase 59¾ [?] in.
FORKS … Hetchins special Rake or to order.
WHEELS … Endrick Rims All Chrome, Solite Tandem Hubs.
TYRES … Dunlop Tandem, Speed, Sprite, or to order.
SADDLES … Brooks B.17 Champion Range or to order.
BARS … Optional.
ERAKES … Resilion A Chrome Front and Rear
PEDALS … B.O A. or Webb solid centre.
GUARDS … Bluemels No weight.
FINISH … Any Colour, Chrome rear ends. Head and Forks all over.
EQUIPMENT … Pump and Reflector, Tecalemit Oil Gun
Patent No. 19430/37
Corrected Prices
Cash Price Chater fittings [Struck through in print: £20-0-0] £21-10-0
with Brampton fittings. [Struck through in print: £21-0-0] £20- 0-0
Chrome all over, or bright Flamboyant £1-10-0 extra.
Any speed Gear can be can be fitted to the Competition Tandem Model at Manufacturers Catalogue prices.
Page Fifteen
[A photograph of the tandem in side view, facing right, set in a ruled box at the upper left with the specification beside it at the right. The frame has a straight top tube from the head to the rear seat lug, a diagonal tube running from the front seat lug down to the rear bottom bracket and a lateral tube between the two bottom brackets. It carries two leather saddles, dropped handlebars at the front, a second set of dropped bars for the rear rider clamped to the front seat pillar, a pump along the diagonal tube, chainwheels at both bottom brackets, full mudguards and a mudflap on the front guard. The two old prices are overprinted with heavy rules, and the replacement figures are set in large type under the printed heading “Corrected Prices”.]

— Page 18 (printed Page Sixteen) —
SEPARATE PRICE LIST FOR FRAMES AND ACCESSORIES.
BRILLIANT No 1. Chrome crown and rear ends with C.1000 chainwheel. 531 tubing, £5-0-0
BRILLIANT No. 2. Bright Flamboyant finish all chrome head, forks and rear ends, or chrome and crown, and fork ends. Enamelled 2 colours and lined as illustrated £5-7-6
BRILLIANT No 3. As illustrated with C1000 chainwheel set, complete with interiors and All Chrome, Bright Flamboyant or Standard finish. £5-19-6
SUPER BRILLIANT B.S.A. or Chater-Lea throughout and Hiduminium seat-pin. Fluted Cranks. £6-19-6
MERKENS COMPETITION As illustrated on Page 10. Finish as desired £7-19-6
SPECIAL SPRINTER As illustrated. B.S.A. or Chater-Lea throughout. Hiduminium seat pin. Fluted Cranks. £6-19-6
ANGLO-CONTINENTAL As illustrated. Special fittings Hiduminium seat-pin. £6-16-6
HETCHIN’S TOUR DE FRANCE As illustrated, with same fittings as Anglo-Contintal. Finish shaded lustre and transfer panels. £6-12-6
COMPETITION As illustrated. B.S.A. or Chater-Lea chainwheel and fluted cranks. Hiduminium seat-pin. £7-9-6
Tandem Frames
Prices on application
Frames only are not supplied on easy payment terms
WHEELS Chrome Endrick rims, B.W. Hubs, per pair 15-6
High Pressure rims and tyres, double butted spokes, tied and soldered per pair £2-5-0
FRAME REPAIRS 2 Frame tubes, 531 From 15-0
1 ,, ,, 531 9-6
Complete Head and 2 tubes 531 [illegible] 17-6
531 fork blades – pair 10-0
,, ,, ,, one only 5-6
Complete Rear triangle – 531 £1-5-6
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE DISMANTLING OR RE-ASSEMBLING.
Experts in Gear-Fitting—reasonable quotations.
Page Sixteen
[Text page with no illustration, set in two columns divided by a vertical rule under an italic capital heading. The left column lists eight frame models, each name in bold followed by its description and a frame price. The right column carries the Competition frame, a centered notice on tandem frames, an underlined line on easy payment terms, a wheels section and a frame repairs table with ditto marks. It closes with an italic capital notice in which the word “NOT” is set in heavy roman type and a script line on gear fitting.]

— Page 19 (inside back cover) —
Chainwheel No. of Teeth | Cog No. of Teeth | Diam. of Wheel 26 in | 27 in.
42 | 12 | 91.0 | 94.1
| 13 | 84.0 | 87.4
| 14 | 78.0 | 81.0
| 15 | 72.8 | 75.7
| 16 | 68.2 | 70.8
| 17 | 64.3 | 66.7
| 18 | 60.6 | 63.0
| 19 | 57.5 | 59.6
| 20 | 54.6 | 56.7
44 | 12 | 95.3 | 99.0
| 13 | 88.0 | 91.3
| 14 | 81.7 | 84.8
| 15 | 76.2 | 79.2
| 16 | 71.5 | 74.2
| 17 | 67.2 | 69.8
| 18 | 63.5 | 66.0
| 19 | 60.2 | 62.5
| 20 | 57.2 | 59.4
46 | 12 | 99.6 | 103.5
| 13 | 92.0 | 95.5
| 14 | 85.4 | 88.7
| 15 | 79.7 | 82.1
| 16 | 74.7 | 77.6
| 17 | 70.3 | 73.0
| 18 | 66.4 | 69.0
| 19 | 63.0 | 65.4
| 20 | 59.8 | 62.0
Chainwheel No. of Teeth | Cogs No. of Teeth. | Diam. of Wheel 26 in. | 27 in.
48 | 12 | 104.0 | 108.0
| 13 | 96.0 | 99.7
| 14 | 89.1 | 92.5
| 15 | 83.2 | 86.4
| 16 | 78.0 | 81.0
| 17 | 73.4 | 76.2
| 18 | 69,3 | 72.0
| 19 | 65.7 | 68.2
| 20 | 62.4 | 64.8
50 | 12 | 108.3 | 112.5
| 13 | 100.0 | 103.8
| 14 | 92.4 | 96.4
| 15 | 86.6 | 90.0
| 16 | 81.2 | 84.3
| 17 | 76.4 | 79.4
| 18 | 72.2 | 75.0
| 19 | 68.4 | 71.3
| 20 | 65.0 | 67.5
52 | 12 | 112.6 | 117.0
| 13 | 104.0 | 108.0
| 14 | 96.5 | 100.2
| 15 | 90.1 | 93.6
| 16 | 84.5 | 87.7
| 17 | 78.5 | 82.3
| 18 | 76.1 | 78.0
| 19 | 71.2 | 74.0
| 20 | 67.6 | 70.2
HETCHIN’S
Works and Showrooms:
798/800, SEVEN SISTERS ROAD,
TOTTENHAM, N.15.
Phone : STA 4738.
Hours of business :
9 till 8 weekdays. 9 till 9 Saturdays
9 till 1 Thursdays
Everything for the Cyclist at Moderate Prices.
A FULL RANGE OF CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES ALWAYS IN STOCK.
[Inside back cover printed in black on yellow card, with no illustration and no folio. The left half carries a ruled gear table in two side-by-side halves, each giving gear figures for 26 in and 27 in wheels with cogs of 12 to 20 teeth, for chainwheels of 42, 44 and 46 teeth at the left and 48, 50 and 52 teeth at the right. The right half carries the firm’s name, address, telephone number and hours, separated by short double rules, a script slogan and a capital line on clothing and accessories. The spine at the left edge shows rust-colored marks, and a small hole or stain sits beside the figure 57.2 in the 44-tooth group.]

— Page 20 (back cover) —
HETCHIN’S VIBRANT TRIANGLE.
Patent No. 443454.
[Back cover printed in black on yellow card, with no folio. A halftone in a ruled box shows a bare rear triangle in side view: the seat lug with a short stub of top tube at the upper right, the seat tube running down to the bottom bracket shell, the seat stays sweeping down to the rear fork ends with a curve near their lower ends and a pair of wavy, curved chain stays running from the bracket to open rear fork ends at the lower left. The heading sits above the box and the patent number below it.]

— Page 21 (order form, filed with the catalog) —
ORDER FORM.
To HETCHIN’S, 798-800, SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, TOTTENHAM, N.15
FRAME. SIZE
S/Upright or Ordinary
Name of Model
Size of Chain Wheel
Finish and Special Requirements
FORKS
RIMS
HUBS
TYRES
BARS
STEM
BRAKES
MUDGUARDS
CHAIN
PEDALS
SADDLE
GEARS
Name
Address
Value of order £ : : .
Amount of Remittance £ : : .
Balance due £ : : .
Further details to be written on other side.
[A single upright printed order form on white paper, unfilled, with no folio and no illustration. The underlined heading and the address line lead into a column of field labels, each followed by a dotted rule for writing in, with three extra blank dotted rules under “Finish and Special Requirements” and one under “Address”. The italic money lines at the foot are divided by colons into pounds, shillings and pence columns, with a rule under the remittance and balance lines. No handwriting appears on the form.]

— Page 22 (letter of December 1937, filed with the catalog) —
Hetchin’s
LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLE & TANDEM MANUFACTURERS.
Works & Showrooms :
798/800, SEVEN SISTERS RD.,
TOTTENHAM, N.15.
Phone STAmford Hill 4738.
Makers of the
“VIBRANT”
SEAT & CHAIN STAYS.
PATENT No. 443454.
London, December 29th. 1937.
YOUR REF :
OUR REF : H/D29
Mr. D. Gray,
92, High Street,
Harborne.
Birmingham. 17.
Dear Sir,
We thank you for your letter of 28th. inst. with reference to one of our Brilliant No. 3 Models.
Brilliant No. 3 Model, £10. 5. 0.
Conloy Osgear…….. 1. 2. 6.
For Gear,Special rear Hub,Solite. 3. 6.
Extra Brake,Bulla silver cable 6. 0.
£11.17. 0.
Trusting you will find this quite in order, and should you place an order with us, we can assure you that we shall build you a Cycle that will give you complete satisfaction, and one that you will be proud to possess.
Wishing you a happy, and prosperous New Year.
We are, Yours faithfully,
for Hetchins [?] Cycle Manufacturers.
[Handwritten: signature in ink, illegible, written across the typed firm name]
[A typed business letter on a single sheet of cream letterhead, with a horizontal fold across the middle. The letterhead is printed in dark brown: the firm’s name in large script with a long swash underline, a capital line on lightweight cycle and tandem manufacture, the works address and telephone number at the left and the Vibrant stays and patent number at the right. The words “London,” and “19” and the reference labels are printed, while the date, the reference “H/D29”, the recipient’s address and the body are typewritten. The four quoted items are typed as an indented price column, with a rule under the last item and a double underline below the total. There is no illustration.]

— Page 23 (covering letter, filed with the catalog) —
Hetchin’s
LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLE & TANDEM MANUFACTURERS.
Works & Showrooms :
798/800, SEVEN SISTERS RD.,
TOTTENHAM, N.15.
Phone : STAmford Hill 4738.
Makers of the
“VIBRANT”
SEAT & CHAIN STAYS.
PATENT No. 443454.
Dear Sir,
We have pleasure in enclosing herewith our 1938 catalogue of HETCHINS cycles and tandems,
We have established a reputation for excellence of workmanship, superlative finish, and originality of design which is second to none, and the fact that this is recognised by the discriminating clubman and racing man is borne out by the very large increase in the number of machines we have built. Every HETCHINS machine on the road is built with the same care and precision, and we are proud of the quality of our workmanship.
The unique HETCHINS cut-out lugwork is a feature of our machines ,imitated by many but equalled by none.
Should you desire to order, we shall be pleased to receive the enclosed specification form completed at your earliest. To enable us to get on with the order immediately we should be glad to receive a deposit, and you can then take delivery when you desire. Kindly let us know the approximate date you wish us to deliver.
You will be aware that the prices of raw materials are definitely on the increase, and manufacturers will not guarantee present prices at any rate beyond three months. If you will therefore let us have your order and deposit now as it will enable us to get the machine ready in time, and will also ensure that you get the machine at present catalogue price.
Should we have the pleasure of supplying you with one of our cycles or tandems, we can assure you that it will be a machine you will be very proud to possess, We are,
Yours faithfully,
For HETCHINS Lightweight Cycle Manufacturers,
[Handwritten: initials in ink, illegible, written across the typed word “Lightweight”]
P.S. Please note error in price of Toni Merkens Frame should read £7-9-6 instead of £7-19-6.
[A typed circular letter on a single sheet of cream letterhead with a horizontal fold across the middle, with no date, no reference and no addressee. The letterhead is the same design as the December 1937 letter, printed in dark brown with the firm’s name in large script over a swash underline, the works address and telephone number at the left and the Vibrant stays and patent number at the right. The word “now” in the fifth paragraph is underlined with typed underscores. There is no illustration.]