Being from Belgium (left there in 1947) it is interesting to see a Belgian bike from the time period when I was there.
Three speeds were the cat's meow at that time and a bit of a rarity; only one guy in our neighborhood had one.
Had an old neighbor that had a real old bike (even then) with a carbide (?) headlamp. Had to light the stuff with a match and it would sputter and give a dim light.
During World War II there were no tires available and folks used to ride on the bare rims 'til they gave out.
Wooden rims were for the more sport/racer riders like the ones at the Kerremesse, Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) or Tour de France competitions.
Brings back a few memopries.
Nice job restoring that machine!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem