Founded in 1696, the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich became one of the largest armament and munition factories in the world. In 1885, Great Britain defeated King Thibaw’s forces in the 3rd Anglo-Burmese War, and in early 1886 annexed Upper Burma into British India. As a result, the British fought a guerrilla war against the locals. Britain had ruled Egypt since 1882 so it was also involved in Egypt’s campaigns in Sudan. The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich was the primary arms supplier to the War Office so it supported these colonial campaigns, not only with artillery, guns, carriages, and ammunition, but also as a research centre and testing facility for the army.
The vast scale of operations required a massive workforce, with greatly increased activity when government orders came in due to warfare. It’s against this background that, during 1886, munition workers from Woolwich Arsenal decided to form a football team to relieve the pressure of work. They named their club ‘Dial Square’ after the sun dial above the factory entrance. A few years after turning professional in 1891 the team adopted the name ‘Woolwich Arsenal.’
In the 1930s, Czechoslovakia had the world’s 7th largest economy and was one of the world’s premier arms manufacturers and exporters. The two main suppliers were Škoda Works and Zbrojovka Brno, together employing around 30,000 workers.
The Tripol bicycle factory was established in Rokycany in 1901, and by 1934 they had been joined in the city by Tudor. The two companies merged in 1948. Many cycle makers around the world had military backgrounds. BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) and Royal Enfield are the best-known in Britain, both suppliers to the War Office. With Rokycany historically famous for its military heritage, the name ‘Arsenal’ – with a motif showing two crossed swords – was a good candidate to suggest that the bicycle was built to the same very high standard required to make weapons.
1937 Arsenal Gents Bicycle
Built by the Tripol bicycle factory in Rokycany, Czechoslovakia
23″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Frame No 155066
As you can see, this very rare bicycle is in very good original unrestored condition. Its ARSENAL chainwheel is fabulous! I took it for a spin around Brighton seafront and I’m pleased to report that it rides superbly. If you’re an Arsenal fan who also likes vintage vehicles, you now have an unrepeatable opportunity to combine your two passions with the ‘Luxusni specialni kola ARSENAL.’
1937-1939 ARSENAL CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
