RUSHBROOKE & Co: Frederick William Rushbrooke started the company as a hardware merchant in 1892 in Charlotte Street, Birmingham. A move was made to 30 Moor Street in 1894 and about this time Frederick Dale Tippets was engaged as general manager. Rushbrooke was a keen cyclist and the company took a stand at the Stanley Cycle Show in 1897. It seems likely that at this stage the company probably bought-in cycles and cycle fittings although it is known that a ‘Tom Thumb’ juvenile tricycle was made for the company. In 1900 a Mr George Smith was engaged who had previously been with the Enfield Manufacturing Co., the Albert Eadie Chain Co. and the New Comet Cycle Co.
In 1902 it was decided to open a branch, primarily to sell cycle fittings and parts to the trade. The branch was at 9 Halford Street, Leicester. This venture foundered but the sale of the stock was so successful it was decided to open a shop and the new business was called the Halford Cycle Co, though it was not until 1907, after eight more shops had been added and the business merged with another, that Halford Cycle Co. Ltd was formed.
The Halfords branch in Renshaw Street, Liverpool had opened by 1907, and this street gave the name to Renshaw
cycles made by Halfords.
1920s Halford ‘Renshaw’ Roadster
Sturmey-Archer ‘Model K’ 3 speed gear
26″ Frame
28″ Wheels
(Now sold)
This gorgeous old roadster is in lovely unrestored original cosmetic condition and first class mechanically.
Its age could be anything from 1914 to 1920s. In the 1927 Halfords catalogue, the Renshaw name was used for juvenile bicycles, a carrier cycle and also tyres. I do not have access to a catalogue between 1910 and 1927, but it looks like the Renshaw name was used for their gentlemen’s roadsters prior to 1927. I think this one is from around 1922.
It has Renshaw transfers on the steering head and chaincase. The one on the seat tube is faded but legible. There’s also the remains of the box lining on the paintwork. An interesting feature is the rear mudguard which has an elaborate white tip. It’s ready to ride.
1927 HALFORDS CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
