Post Office bicycles were ‘standardized’ in 1929, ie the Post Office laid down specifications to which the supplying manufacturers complied. This made it easier for the Post Office’s spare parts storage and supply. The specifications were updated over the years as components changed, but the basic style remained more or less the same. The mudguards on this one show it to be a mid-thirties machine.
Postmen’s bicycles were red in colour, and those of an inspector were black. Obviously there were more postmen than inspectors, so this Post Office Inspector’s bicycle is much rarer. It’s particularly interesting because it retains its original paintwork and transfers, and is probably one of very few of this type that still exist.
I spoke to the marque specialist for CWS bicycles, and he told me that no record exists of post office frame numbers (they were a different series of numbers from normal CWS bikes). He also recalled seeing a spare frame at the Manchester Co-op works and, after enquiring about it, discovered that local C0-op branches provided back-up services when necessary.
He also explained that the ‘inspector’ who would have used this bicycle was usually the head postmaster. It was not fitted with a front rack when supplied to the Post Office; but often the head postmaster had to go out on the rounds to cover for a postman off sick, so a rack would be obtained from the Post Office stores and fitted on the bike. This machine is also fitted with a front lamp and toolbag marked ‘GPO.’ Like the rest of the bicycle, its original Dunlop saddle is in very good condition.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Spring 2025
This Timed Auction is live from 14th of March 2025 2pm to 14th of April 7pm, 2025. Highest bid wins.
NO BUYERS or SELLERS PREMIUM.
THE RESERVE IS THE START PRICE + BUY-IT-NOW OPTION.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY: NO PACKING FEES.
BIDDING INCREMENTS: Up to £1000 = £10. Over £1000 = £50. Over £2000 = £100
IT’S A CURATED AUCTION – Colin is the auctioneer and is available to chat to you personally during the auction (or before) by email, text message, phonecall, Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp.
