Carlton model identification

[Phil may]

Here is my latest project. Obviously a Carlton, it has an E prefix serial number which I think means 55-56. I cannot identify the model number and all original equipment seems missing. Any thought folks?

 

[midlife]

Anything like one of these

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/SPOKESMAN/SPOKESMAN007/50s carlton_zpsju3itkbd.jpg

 

[Cycleops]

As usual our resident Carlton expert @Spokesmann should be able to give you the lowdown.

 

[carpenter]

Bayliss Wiley bottom bracket, and I think they stopped trading in the early 1960's, so bike could be any time up to then?

 

[Spokesmann]

We have discussed this on the FB Carlton Group and arrived at the fact it could be an early Catalina or Franco Suisse model which would date it to 1958 or thereabouts, I've always suspected that Carlton used the E prefix twice, I cant be 100% but its a possibility. Carlton frame numbering and prefixes are the bane of many a researchers life!

 

[raleighnut]

We have discussed this on the FB Carlton Group and arrived at the fact it could be an early Catalina or Franco Suisse model which would date it to 1958 or thereabouts, I've always suspected that Carlton used the E prefix twice, I cant be 100% but its a possibility. Carlton frame numbering and prefixes are the bane of many a researchers life!

Got even worse under Raleigh.

 

[Phil may]

We have discussed this on the FB Carlton Group and arrived at the fact it could be an early Catalina or Franco Suisse model which would date it to 1958 or thereabouts, I've always suspected that Carlton used the E prefix twice, I cant be 100% but its a possibility. Carlton frame numbering and prefixes are the bane of many a researchers life!

Thanks, I'm just trying to cast as wide a net as possible. One question. The frame does not have pump lugs fitted. Where these an optional fit?

 

[Spokesmann]

Thanks, I'm just trying to cast as wide a net as possible. One question. The frame does not have pump lugs fitted. Where these an optional fit?

Basically some did, some didn't, I would thought it may have - they may have been ground off or snapped/broken.

 

[Phil may]

Basically some did, some didn't, I would thought it may have - they may have been ground off or snapped/broken.

I'm going to strip the black paint off and see what is left. It looks like it has had a coat of red oxide underneath the black, and very little or no original colour left

 

[Gunk]

Bayliss Wiley bottom bracket, and I think they stopped trading in the early 1960's, so bike could be any time up to then?

They’re a lovely quality BB, my ‘62 Claud Butler has one, it came up like new.