Claud Butler, 1953
10-30-20, 02:58 PM
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Claud Butler, 1953
SOLD This is a 1953 Claud Butler, "Especially Built for Colson." Colson was an American manufacturer of bicycles, quite collectible in their own right, but this bike was clearly made in Clapham by Claud Butler and likely based on CB frames of the period.
I am aware of just two other examples, and this one would definitely take third place in any beauty contest among them! It came to me in rough shape, literally out of a barn in Oklahoma, and I treated it to a thorough but very conservative restoration. There are two other forum threads on this bike (yeah, I could talk about it all day): The restoration process is at 1953 Claud Butler for Colson and a more concise valuation discussion is at 1953 Claud Butler. Between them, there is a whole lot of information about the bike and I'm happy to answer any further questions.
With so few examples out there, I'm flying blind on valuation. So, I'm asking $500 delivered in Tulsa or willing to ship at cost at the buyer's direction. Also happy to hear about other offers or trades.
Additional pictures below and in the threads linked above. Thanks!
I am aware of just two other examples, and this one would definitely take third place in any beauty contest among them! It came to me in rough shape, literally out of a barn in Oklahoma, and I treated it to a thorough but very conservative restoration. There are two other forum threads on this bike (yeah, I could talk about it all day): The restoration process is at 1953 Claud Butler for Colson and a more concise valuation discussion is at 1953 Claud Butler. Between them, there is a whole lot of information about the bike and I'm happy to answer any further questions.
With so few examples out there, I'm flying blind on valuation. So, I'm asking $500 delivered in Tulsa or willing to ship at cost at the buyer's direction. Also happy to hear about other offers or trades.
Additional pictures below and in the threads linked above. Thanks!
Last edited by dbhouston; 02-04-21 at 08:30 PM. Reason: Price Reduction
10-30-20, 03:04 PM
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Bikes: 2005 Orbea Spirit + 2018 Specialized Diverge + 1974 Raleigh Competition + 1983 Centurion Pro Tour 15
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All painted surfaces were treated with EvapoRust, thoroughly cleaned, and protected with boiled linseed oil. You can periodically re-apply the oil or wash it off and go in a new direction.
"Built Especially for Colson by Claude Butler of London" Original Brampton crankset. 501 pedals, made in England.
Bronze fillet brazing exposed with age.
CB Clapham transfer on downtube, with Bonderized decal above. All new cable inners and outers.
GB Sports Hiduminium brakes, replacements for what was on the bike when I got it.
Bars are Stratalite Comfort from England. Brampton headset.
Seatpost is Reynolds Hiduminium.
10-30-20, 03:08 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Tulsa, OK
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Bikes: 2005 Orbea Spirit + 2018 Specialized Diverge + 1974 Raleigh Competition + 1983 Centurion Pro Tour 15
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B17 Special short ("Ladies Standard", but I like that shape better than the standard standard). If this one isn't to your liking, I'll keep it and knock $100 off the price.
1953 AW Rear, refurbished
1953 GH6 front, refurbished. Disconnected but working. Will include washers that press on the Dynohub to activate it as well as the beat up but working head light that came on it.
Dunlop chrome steel wheels. Tires are Kenda Comfort.
Serial number indicates May 1953
How the Claud looked on September 1, 2020
Last edited by dbhouston; 10-31-20 at 10:26 AM.
11-17-20, 02:44 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Tulsa, OK
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Bikes: 2005 Orbea Spirit + 2018 Specialized Diverge + 1974 Raleigh Competition + 1983 Centurion Pro Tour 15
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Price reduced to $600, and still open to offers or interesting trades, of course. If it's still mine this winter, I will think about starting again and getting the frame repainted.
