Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Headbadges

Was there a difference between the Raleigh Headbadges from Raleigh Canada and the Nottingham and American Raleighs?

As I've never seen one, I cannot advise as to the differences, if any, of the Canadian badges VS others, but I am well versed as to the variants from England/UK and the later Raleigh USA badges.

*Nottingham badges from the early '30s were of brass, and featured an offset top rivet, to place the rivet behind the Heron's eye.

*By the '40s, the badge had been revised to a stamped aluminum design, with the top badge rivet centered, effectively serving the purpose of a rather large Heron's "eye." This badge remained in use on the DL22 Sports until around '63 or '64, while the S22 spartan models used it until early 1973, when the Sunset Yellow (a.k.a. "All-Gold") variants were discontinued.

*A revised brass badge replaced the aluminum badges on most models in the '63/64 model year period. The brass design featured the same rivet pattern as the aluminum design. Additionally, the complete pattern and lettering of the badge were lightly stamped into the badge surface as well, followed by the traditional red/black tampo transfer. Rivets were generally of the traditional squashed type, although these badges are sometimes seen with small blind rivets on some of the lower-end Raleigh 10 speed models. This badge is probably the most common, and was used on the majority of all Raleighs until the Huffy takeover in 1982.

*Variants bearing strikeouts in place of "NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND" of both the aluminum and later brass badges mentioned above were used on Raleighs made in Holland, Ireland, and other Raleigh machines not produced in the Nottingham factory.

*A very pretty Heron badge with an oval design and a multi-color tampo was used during the '68-70 period. These are called the "Anniversary" badge, and were used primarily on the higher-end road models, and are seen commonly on the Super Course.

*After the Huffy takeover, 1983 Raleigh badges for the Bridgestone/Panasonic-manufactuered top-end racing models became a 3D design stamped out of soft metal. A brass coloring plus the traditional red/black coloring was used. "THE" was dropped in "THE RALEIGH" from the title in the headbadge, badges now only read "RALEIGH," "NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND" was dropped in favor of "RALEIGH CYCLE COMPANY OF AMERICA." The traditional 3-rivet pattern remained, abeit slightly altered.

*Framesets made in Nottingham after the Huffy takeover (such as the 1982 Competition MKII and 1982 International MKII) for the U.S. market were essentially identical to the '84 badges as mentioned above, but featured angled foward slash symbols (e.g. "//////") in place of "CYCLE COMPANY OF AMERICA." I believe these badges were riveted, but can't recall for a fact.

*Badges virtually identical to those used on the post-Huffy, Nottingham-made, U.S.-market frames (i.e., the models with "/////" symbols on the badge, as mentioned above) were sometimes used on lower-end models such as the Marathon and Capri. These badges varied by only one detail: They are not riveted, but glued on. Two guide prongs protrude out the back, these fit into impressions on the frame.

*Badges on all higher-end (Grand Prix/Supercourse/Competition/Prestige) Japanese/Taiwanese produced frames were revised in 1985 to be affixed without rivets in the glue-on/two prong fashion, similar to the early '84 badges for the low end models as described above. The words "CYCLE COMPANY OF AMERICA" at the bottom are retained.

*1986 Technium frames built in the U.S. feature a badge design similar, but slightly different in dimensions and font styles from the final 1985 badge design. Badges are finished with a chrome appearance instead of a gold/brass color. Red/black colors remain, along with the glue-on mounting design.

There were various other badge designs used in the U.K. in the '80s that are somewhat different then the badges used in the States. Further, there were a few other badge variants after '86, plus the current ones used today. I will not detail these, for I do not have enough data about them.

Hope this helps. If you need any additional info, let me know.

Take care,

-Kurt

I know I take my life in my hands contradicting Kurt on matters Raleigh, but the 'Anniversary' badge was used on all Raleigh's sport models in that period, Records and Grand Prix included. Also, in my experience the Nottingham heron badge was used on bikes from Handsworth, Worksop, and at least two Gazelle-built bikes I've seen. They varied only in having the 'Built under license' decal in place of 'Made in England' on the seat tubes.

I've never seen one of these before......nice :)

http://retroraleighs.com/racing-usa.html

http://retroraleighs.com/images/1985-RacingUSA-Front.jpg

*After the Huffy takeover, 1983 Raleigh badges for the Bridgestone/Panasonic-manufactuered top-end racing models became a 3D design stamped out of soft metal. A brass coloring plus the traditional red/black coloring was used. "THE" was dropped in "THE RALEIGH" from the title in the headbadge, badges now only read "RALEIGH," "NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND" was dropped in favor of "RALEIGH CYCLE COMPANY OF AMERICA." The traditional 3-rivet pattern remained, abeit slightly altered.

*Badges on all higher-end (Grand Prix/Supercourse/Competition/Prestige) Panasonic-produced frames were revised in 1985 to be affixed without rivets in the glue-on/two prong fashion, similar to the early '84 badges for the low end models as described above. The words "CYCLE COMPANY OF AMERICA" at the bottom are retained.

I don't doubt your contention that some 80s Raleighs were made by Bridgestone or Panasonic (or National?). It makes sense to me, but I'm wondering if you can direct me to a source for this information. Despite Sheldon Brown and my own memory, I sometimes feel like the historical record of 80s bicycle manufacturing/assembly fell into a black hole.
Thanks

I know I take my life in my hands contradicting Kurt on matters Raleigh, but the 'Anniversary' badge was used on all Raleigh's sport models in that period, Records and Grand Prix included. Also, in my experience the Nottingham heron badge was used on bikes from Handsworth, Worksop, and at least two Gazelle-built bikes I've seen. They varied only in having the 'Built under license' decal in place of 'Made in England' on the seat tubes.

Thanks for the clarification there. I was trying to pull up the image of one of the late '60s GPs in my head when I wrote that down, trying to remember whether they used the Anniversary badge or not.



I don't doubt your contention that some 80s Raleighs were made by Bridgestone or Panasonic (or National?). It makes sense to me, but I'm wondering if you can direct me to a source for this information. Despite Sheldon Brown and my own memory, I sometimes feel like the historical record of 80s bicycle manufacturing/assembly fell into a black hole.
Thanks

I'll admit that it has yet to be confirmed that the work was contracted out to Panasonic - revised it to reflect country of origin.

This said, from what I've heard, the general consensus is that Panasonic manufactured these models. I'm inclined to agree after inspecting an NOS Panasonic (forgot the model, was white with a green fade) at the LBS - both the lugs and general craftsmanship appear nearly identical.

What does seem to be a pattern though is that by '85, most, if not all production was moved to Taiwan according to seattube decals. No mention about Panasonic or anyone else though.

I share your sympathy. Information pertaining to machines made after '81 has seeming vanished. Information seems to crop up for 1986-onwards, but by then, the Technium moved in (and when aluminum steps in, I step out).

Take care,

-Kurt

Thanks Kurt, you're a gentleman and a scholar!

Thanks Kurt, you're a gentleman and a scholar!

My pleasure to be of service, anytime!

-Kurt