Copake Bike Auction - Good Stuff

Those of you familiar with the Copake Bicycle Auction probably know these auctions often bring out some very nice, and unusual bikes.

http://www.copakeauction.com/auction/26th-annual-antique-classic-bicycle-auction/

So here are a few of my favorites from this auction's lots:

Raleigh Golden Arrow (1930s with updates)

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/raleigh-golden-arrow-3-speed-bicycle-8A54EB5ABA

This Raleigh road bike is an early mode from the 1930s - look at the open frame geometry common to that period. The bike has gotten a few upgrades that appear to date to the 1950s or 60s.

Most prominent is the derailleur-Sturmey hybrid gearing, producing a 9-speed bike. The hub is an AW from 1937, with the later derailleur system added, but which is also a vintage item itself.

1950s Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/raleigh-lenton-grand-prix-bicycle-2674E8C9FD

Here's a nice Raleigh Lenton from the 1950s. This bike is in good shape, and I really like the dark-white combination paint scheme. This one is a later Lenton with derailleur gearing, but the condition is just so good that it's really remarkable still.

Pre-WWII Columbia/Westfield 

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/c.-1936-columbia-special-bicycle-1814FD8839

Here's an American-made bike from before WWII, but featuring a diamond frame, 2-speed coaster brake gearing and a 21 inch, adult frame. It's very similar to the Sports Roadster bikes of the period, and I actually own a 1940 Westfield Sports Roadster a lot like this bike.

This variation seems to have gotten a balloon-tire style chain guard and a two-tone paint scheme on the head tube.It also has an earlier-style stem and handlebars. The saddle is in the style of a balloon tire or pre-balloon antique.

This and the 1930s Raleigh road bike with hybrid gearing (shown earlier) are the most "interesting" bikes, to me. This one has a really neat combination of pre-balloon, balloon, and pre-war lightweight utility bike features. This oddball really is representative of the mix of parts you might see on an American-made lightweight in the 1930s-40s.

And good luck to everyone bidding today.