1930's Raleigh Golden Arrow value?

[shadaboot27]

I have just bought this 1930's Golden Arrow Bike from a car boot sale. I know that they are very rare and very collectible but could anyone tell me a rough estimate of the value of this? It is in fantastic original condition as well with all the original parts, it will clean up very well. All the decals are clear and intact, the chrome is all good, it has fluted cranks, rat trap pedals, drum brakes, lauterwasser handlebars and sturmey archer gears.

 

[Tony Raynor]

Nice find mate. It'll look great when restored.

 

[Cycleops]

That is very nice and lucky to find one in such good condition. Look forward to the resto process and pics!"

 

[shadaboot27]

It is a very nice bike, It's such a shame though that they never made these in my size, all these high end sports bikes from the 30's all had 21'' frames So I will be restoring it and selling it. I'd love to keep it but it's just far too small.

 

[raleighnut]

Nice bike, but you can never tell what corrosion is going on inside those old frames. Make a nice display or Sunday special though.

 

[shadaboot27]

The corrosion is usually no worse on the inside than it is on the outside. This bike has most defiantly been dry stored for a very long time and Only has minimal surface rust. This bike will be 100% safe to ride when I'm done cleaning it up.

 

[shadaboot27]

In fact this is one of the best condition 1930's bikes that I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot!

 

[raleighnut]

Paint protects the outside of the tubes but the inside is not painted and is very vulnerable to condensation I for one wouldn't ride a 30s bike daily.

 

[Swifty]

That looks great it looks in really good condition my 1930s bike had also been dry stored and didn't appear to have much rust inside the tubes even with the surface rust outside it will be a great project

 

[shadaboot27]

These bikes were dipped in a special chemical that prevents rust, then after that dipped in black enamel. As they are dipped the enamel is on the inside of the tubes as well as the outside. I have ridden many pre 50's bikes and have had no issues with any of them. These bikes were built to last. A little bit if surface rust isn't a hazard what so ever.

 

[Swifty]

Wish I had found that yours looks pre 1934 due to the lack of white paint on rear mudguard being a raleigh it should be easier to date accurately mine had a serial number but no records to date it from

 

[shadaboot27]

I always find it hard to date these bikes via the serial numbers, in fact I've never been able to date them with the serial numbers, the numbers my bikes have can never been found on any charts. The best way to date them is with the rear hub, but if that is missing or not original then its really hard to date.

 

[shadaboot27]

Do you think the fact this bike has drum brakes will increase the value? Or not?

 

[Swifty]

Drum brakes are quite rare on these old style bikes raleigh seemed to like this system on certain models my freewheel hub has no date stamps just a perry made in England would also like to know like yourself how you work out a value for bikes of this era

 

[shadaboot27]

I would say this bike is worth around £400 based on similar bikes that I have seen on ebay but I could me wrong.