Wilson - not Sheffield

[carpenter]

Hi, I bought this one a few years ago on eBay (~ £30). Previous owner was confused, hundreds of watchers but only my bid!
I think that a lot of the watchers were looking for a J Wilson of Sheffield. It isn't one of theirs; I checked with them. But I was taken with some of the frame details, now the Dancelli is done, it is time for this little dear to be looked after.


The only other Wilson I can find is a Birmingham dealer who had dealings with Major Nicholls, although the frame doesn't look at all like one of his makes!


I don't expect it to be a valuable frame, but I would appreciate any ideas/information - I have become quite emotionally attached to it, in the same way that I would feel for a three legged dog

 

[midlife]

Not sure why but it looks like a Puch? Is there a riveted head badge?

 

[carpenter]

No holes for head badge, transfer does say "England", I think the paint (and decals) are original. Just bought a vernier and I make the seat post 25.8mm.
I am quite take with the front lamp bracket - just looks old/strange design to me.

 

[midlife]

Dynamo bracket on the forks. Not common on UK bikes, I'll Google for a pic

 

[midlife]

 

[Cycleops]

I remember buying a Wilson of some description whilst staying in Sheffield a few years back. Can't recall the details but it was a racer from the seventies. 42/52 chain rings and 6 speed.
As @midlife says that definitely looks mainland European.

 

[southcoast]

Marlboro made bikes with similar lugs and bridges back in the mid eighties. They also owned the Holdsworth brand name about that time I believe.