Harry Quinn

[Morag77]

Just wondering if anyone can help, I have what I believe is a Harry Quinn frame in 531 tubing. See the photos below. The frame number is stamped 1 and can just be made out on one of the photos. Someone has picked the lugs out in white paint and not done the best job. I was going to get this restored and built up for my dad but I don't want to spend the money if it's not an original.

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b623/morag77/812117486e89935b26c9c0589ed30846_zps77477d3a.jpg

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b623/morag77/335b9c3076311646fbf299f638a4d4c5_zps73016adc.jpg

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b623/morag77/1320e5a6a0b9dfc1563838544504f464_zps04168c3c.jpg

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b623/morag77/a9db226b969522558b2bb64a771c11af_zpsd69fc274.jpg

 

[biggs682]

you need @Tony Smith to help you re Quinns

but from what i know frame numbers are normally started with a Q made up by using an O and a number 1 , but looks nice

 

[Cycleops]

Can't imagine its a fake, you can be pretty confident that it is a Harry Quinn. Usually people will just apply a few transfers to create a doppelgänger, so quite easy to spot. I have a fake Rory O'Brien which is really a Dawes.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

paint it lilac…

 

[biggs682]

@Morag77 its worth dropping forks out to see what is stamped on them as should be same as bottom bracket stampings if original

 

[Morag77]

Thanks Biggs682, I've just dropped the forks out it is stamped Q2963on the steerer tube, strange how the BBC shell only has the 1 stamped in it though.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks Biggs682, I've just dropped the forks out it is stamped Q2963on the steerer tube, strange how the BBC shell only has the 1 stamped in it though.

do the rest of the numbers match ?

 

[Morag77]

No Q2963 on the steerer and only the number 1 on the BB shell with no other numbers or letters.

 

[biggs682]

No Q2963 on the steerer and only the number 1 on the BB shell with no other numbers or letters.

that does make you wonder then

shame you cant get a clear picture of the bottom bracket stampings

i think the decals are wrong for era of frame , but either way a lovely frame with some great details

 

[Tony Smith]

Morag,
Biggs682 has already answered most of the questions on this. If its genuine (and whilst questions remain I think we must assume that the steerer is part of the build) the number puts it at around late 1972 early 1973, when Quinn was based at Walton Road and prior to the disastrous sale of the business. Looking closer at your pics, I have Q2148 (needing refurbishment) which would seem identical to the one you show in EVERY aspect except for the BB cut-outs but including all the chroming lay out and those fantastic shot in seat stays. Let me have your email address and I'll send you some shots. As Biggs rightly says the decals are way off which would indicate a refurbishment at some time, possibly at Quinns after he sold out to Clements, and this would explain the 'England' badge, as that was how Clements badged the bikes after the takeover. The BB cut-outs may have been done at the owners request. Its just practically non-existent to see a BB shell not carrying the Quinn numbering. Does the 'Q' on the steerer look like its made up of a '1' and a '0' ?

 

[Tony Smith]

paint it lilac…

....There might just a be a Lilac Harry Quinn on the way

 

[biggs682]

@Tony Smith thank you for joining in