1941 Sunbeam Gents ‘Wartime Finish’

1941 Sunbeam Gents ‘Wartime Finish’

23″ Frame

26″ Wheels

Frame No 5S471

 

Nickel or chrome cycle parts were popular with customers. But chrome was in short supply during World War Two, so during the war and also after it ended, bicycle were often supplied with what was known as a ‘Wartime Finish’ which meant that components such as hubs, handlebars, chainsets, fork crowns and other embellishments were painted black.

Though there are some surviving bicycles of the era without chromed components, it is particularly rare to find examples such as this in original paint still displaying their transfers (decals) that say WAR TIME FINISH.

As far as we know, Sunbeam did not publish any catalogues during the war. The company had recently been taken over by BSA, and for some years after the takeover BSA used up old Sunbeam stock as well as building new Sunbeams that looked very much like their range of BSA bicycles. Compare this example with the 1940 BSA catalogue illustration below.

This Wartime Finish Sunbeam Gents is in superb original unrestored condition. Its previous owner bought it along with its female counterpart over 30 years ago, and rode it in the London-Brighton cycle run. It’s ready for a new owner to display and ride.

 

 

 

 

 

1940 BSA CATALOGUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1941 SUNBEAM WAR TIME FINISH BICYCLES

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1941 SUNBEAM LADIES WAR TIME FINISH BICYCLE

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