1911 Humber ‘Special Standard’ Ladies
Sturmey-Archer 3-speed gear
25″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Lucas No 62 Baby Bell
Frame No 250396
This was one of the final Humbers to retain the older style of front mudguard, i.e. without an extension. The mudguard extension was introduced in the 1911 catalogue. You can see in its catalogue illustration below that this model already fitted it, so I assume the company was using up its old stock of mudguards.
Humber No 250396 is in very good preserved condition, with original unrestored paintwork and retaining its original transfers (decals) on the steering head, chaincase and rear mudguard. Everything is original apart from the later saddle. The nickel is good, requiring only a polish to remove a trace of surface rust. The tyres hold air though should be replaced for regular riding. The string skirt guard is torn in places though a new one is cheap and easily available on ebay (do a search for ‘two tone bakers twine’). The handlebar grips are also in lovely original condition and it’s fitted with a Lucas ‘No 62 Baby’ Bell. Everything works well and it’s ready to ride.
Observe at the top of Humber’s crest the words BY APPOINTMENT. This was the Royal crest.
HUMBER: THE ROYAL CONNECTION
A major selling point for Humber was that the marque was favoured by King George V (pictured above, in 1911, receiving a letter from a postman). Of course, this was a fabulous marketing aid for the company, and Humbers became extremely popular both at home and (particularly) throughout the Commonwealth – ordinary folk, riding a Humber, would now be able to enjoy similar views and sensations as the King of England!
Though several of the top British manufacturers supplied bicycles to the Royal Family – who were keen cyclists and had supported the cycle industry since its earliest days – Humber capitalized most on its Royal connection in its advertising campaigns. The picture below, from 1905, was part of Humber’s advertising during the reign of King George’s predecessor, King Edward VII.
ORIGINAL HANDLEBAR GRIPS & LUCAS ‘BABY’ BELL
1911 HUMBER CATALOGUE
