1937 Claud Butler Touring Tandem

1937 Claud Butler Touring Tandem

(Now sold)

This 1937 Claud Butler freewheel tandem is in remarkably good condition for its age.

It has been well looked-after throughout its lifetime and, I believe, has been used consistently.

It’s ready to jump on and use now.

It’s unusual to see original transfers in such good condition.

Although there’s a bit of chipping, the name is still readable.

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CLAUD BUTLER

Manor Street Works, Clapham, London SW4

 

Claud Butler was a successful club rider who began making frames in his south London shed in the mid 1920’s. By 1928 the Inter-War popularity of cycling, and in particular club cycling, had enabled Claud Butler to open his first shop in Battersea. This was followed by a string of other shops across London, a midlands depot in Nottingham, and the famous head office and works at Clapham Manor Street.

This success was a result of a number of factors. Claud Butler cycles were renowned for their innovative features such as bronze-weld construction and “fancy lugs” (both techniques that were pioneered by continental frame builders) that helped produce strong and distinctive frames. Claud Butler’s flair for self promotion and exuberance was able to market his superior product. In 1931 Claud Butler bikes appeared at the cycling World Championships in Copenhagen, this was followed by appearances at subsequent championships in Italy (1932), France (1933), and Germany (1934). In addition Claud Butler bikes were competing at the Los Angles Olympics in 1932. Sponsorship of recognised international racers such as Reg Harris, Eileen Sheridan, Peter Underwood and Dennis Sutton Horn, provided more exposure to this otherwise new brand.

To celebrate the popularity of Claud Butler bikes annual events were held at the Manor Street works with bands and entertainment.

Claud Butler’s initial rise was prematurely curtailed with the outset of WW2. The suspension of international cycling events and the curtailment of domestic meetings decreased the demand for his frames, however, along with other small-scale manufacturers it enabled the The austerity that followed the cessation of hostilities in 1945 enabled cycling in the United Kingdom to once again experience a rise in popularity. Rationing of petrol meant that for many the cheapest and most convenient form of transport was to cycle. Furthermore the 1948 Olympics in London helped promote cycling, and competition cycling, as a pastime. Sadly the growth of a more consumerist orientated society of the 1950s was to have serve effects on Claud Butler.

Petrol rationing was stopped on the 26th May 1950. This coupled with a moderate rise in disposable income and the creation of Britain’s motorway system meant that car ownership was now increasingly desirable. People were now no longer confined to their own fitness or the length and direction of railway track if they wanted to explore the country.

Ironically is was to be the effects of Saudi Arabia’s oil embargo against Britain and France during the Suez Crisis that would bring Claud Butler to closure. With fuel shortages British industry could only operate a four day week and with little demand for cycles (let alone premium lightweight frames) the Clapham Manor Street site began to fall quiet. Finally a crippling £150,000 owed to Customs & Excise forced Claud Butler to declare bankruptcy.

 

 

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