The Online Bicycle Museum

1933 Halford Black Prince ‘All Weather’ Roadster

THE HALFORD CYCLE Co

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, one of their common brand names. The ‘Black Prince’ model was a more upmarket model designed for city commuting.

1933 Halford Black Prince ‘All Weather’ Roadster

Sturmey-Archer ‘Model K3’ three-speed gear

24″ Frame

28″ Wheels

The Halford Black Prince was a top of the range three-speed ‘All-Weather’ model with valanced mudguards that were designed for city commuting. This rare surviving example is an older restoration still in excellent condition and it’s ready to ride.