GOLD …The standard of value. It has been so for centuries, since the days of the first civilisations. It is the standard of value today – the stabiliser in changing currencies. Gold, pure gold, is nature’s greatest achievement, man cannot better it.
– 1938 BSA ‘Gold’ catalogue extract
BSA’s ‘Golden’ bicycles were more affordable versions of BSA’s top-of-the-range ‘Opperman Special.’ The company produced a separate ‘Gold’ catalogue, keen to promote the idea of exclusivity among their more expensive machines. As you can see, below, the front cover motif features St George, who, on behalf of BSA’s customers, is valiantly fighting the dragon which was the guardian of the ‘treasure’ of BSA’s Gold range of bicycles.
1939 BSA Golden Key
21″ Frame
26″ Wheels
Lauterwasser handlebar
BSA Model 40 saddle
BSA logo on rear mudguard, hubs, freewheel sprocket, wing nuts, etc
Frame no K73317
(Now sold)
This timewarp 1939 BSA has been ridden very few miles. My assumption is that it was purchased just before the war and the owner did not return after 1945 to enjoy it.
A ‘new-old-stock’ prewar bicycle is the ultimate find for a vintage bicycle enthusiast. Its rubber cable ties had fallen apart, so I replaced them. But everything else is original on it (and in good condition), including items usually replaced such as cables, brake blocks and chain. The tyres are original and hold air but the sidewalls are perished; and the BSA saddle is dry and cracked, and damaged at the front. As you can see in the photos, many of its components are stamped BSA, such as hub, sprocket, wing nuts etc.
If it’s to be ridden, a new set of tyres and saddle should be fitted. But if it’s used for a museum or exhibition display, the bicycle is ideal as is. It would be an ideal companion for a well-preserved original BSA Airborne that’s fitted with the same type of BSA Model 40 saddle. They would display perfectly alongside each other, representing the bicycle the soldier rode during the war and the one he had waiting for him at home.
1938 BSA ‘GOLD’ CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
1939 BSA CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: Site of Blackboys Airfield (1916-1917)
I photographed the BSA on the site of an old airfield used during World War 1, before the RAF was formed. It’s now a private estate. Located in East Sussex, its designation was ‘military landing ground’ and also ’emergency landing ground’ eg for British pilots returning from France needing to divert because of problems such as bad weather. Home Defence squadrons are also likely to have used it when searching for zeppelins (German airships). Blackboys, near Uckfield, is 16 miles from the south coast and 40 miles south of London. Germany’s aerial campaign against Britain during World War 1 caused 4,743 casualties (1,394 killed and 3,349 injured) of which 2,603 occurred in London (667 killed and 1,936 injured).
The RAF was founded on 1 April 1918 by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.
