1900 Raglan Roadster No 20

RAGLAN CYCLE CO

George Cooper had formerly been with Hillman, Herbert & Cooper, one of the most innovative early cycle firms, (they subsequently adopted the name of one of their leading cycle brands – ‘Premier’ – for their company name). Hillman left that company to form what became the Hillman car group. Cooper created a new company ‘Taylor, Cooper & Bednell Ltd’. As it traded from Raglan Works in Coventry, his company soon became the ‘Raglan Cycle Co’ . It also had an address at 33 Holborn Viaduct, London, in 1898, and at 59, 60 and 61 Hatton Garden, London in 1903. Raglan was a small company but they produced top quality machines, and had a sizeable export market. The Raglan name is little known today, and this example is one of few known survivors of the marque.

with original bill-of-sale

26″ Frame

28″ Wheels

Fixed wheel & inch pitch chain

Frame No 134592

(Now sold)

Raglan was a small cycle maker producing top quality machines. As well as sales direct to the public and a healthy export market, they also supplied other cycle companies. For example, Chater Lea was a top cycle fittings supplier and Raglan supplied them with frames when they wanted to sell complete bicycles.

The Model 20 is a fixed wheel model with inch pitch chain that was current in 1898, but was still available for sale in the company’s 1900 catalogue as a budget option – 10 guineas as against £20 for their top model with freewheel and back-pedal brake. This example is an old-time restoration in superb condition and is ready to ride.

It is rare that a bicycle’s history file includes its original shop receipt. This Raglan was sold by the cycle department of Yorkshire Carriage Works of Clifford St, York, through their agents Wales & Son. The purchaser was Mr R.C Thompson who paid for it on 7th June, 1900. As you can see from its catalogue description, the price was 10 guineas. but a discount was available for a cash purchase. According to the receipt Mr Thompson took advantage of this and paid 8 guineas (£8 8/-).