The frame number of this Humber Duplex Cross Frame suggests it was manufactured in 1901. It’s not shown in the 1901 Humber catalogue, and I don’t have a copy of the 1902 catalogue. Also, I’ve not found an illustration of it in other Humber catalogues. But the extract below, published in the VCC Humber Study Guide, puts a timeline of 1902 on the introduction of this model, and also mentions that the ‘Wheel of Life’ chainwheel – as fitted to this Humber – came into use in the same year.
Further down the page you can read a translated extract from a 1901 Dutch article which featured an illustration of the bare frame. So my assumption is that it was built in 1901 but came onto the market in 1902.
1901/1902 Beeston Humber Duplex Cross Frame
(Built in 1901, but fitted up and sold in 1902)
Back pedal band brake
Beeston Humber inflator pump & tool bag
25″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Frame No 84087
(Now sold)
HUMBER PATENT BACK-PEDAL BAND BRAKE
VIEW FROM UNDERSIDE
1901 HUMBER CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
BEESTON HUMBER TOOL BAG & ACCESSORIES
1901 Dutch cross frame synopsis thanks to – http://www.rijwiel.net/kruisfre.htm
Humber catalogue and Study Guide extracts with thanks to the Veteran Cycle Club. Please join the VCC to access their wonderful archive yourself