Lot 459
A c1909 Lea & Francis Gentleman's Roadster. This imposing bicycle has a 28-inch frame numbered 21673 and many of the features associated with the marque, including a back-pedalling crank lock hidden brake mechanisms to the front and rear brakes, the front with the optional extra mudguard extension, chain-guard, 17-inch flat handlebars with an oiler in the righthand celluloid grip, a J. Lucas Ltd. No 58 rear rack, correctly fitted R. H. Lea rear reflector, nickel-plated 28-inch Westwood rims, split block rubber pedals, a Pedersen three-speed hub gear with its correct top tube control, a J. Lucas Ltd. double-chime bell, a period Herm Reimann 'Germania' candle-powered lamp, Veeder milometer and a sprung Lughbro duplex-padded leather saddle. Attached to the bicycle when purchased, and still tied to the handlebars since restoration is an accession label from the National Motor Museum, from whom the bicycle was purchased many years ago. Written on the label is the statement, 'George Bernard Shaw - This machine was owned and ridden by the world-famous person named above'. The vendor has had verbal confirmation that this is likely to be factual, but only further research will confirm its actual status. (1)
