I found a rather unique Rudge and need help in identifying the age through the logo on the chain guard. The serial no. is 60551 AJ which puts at 1948 or 1947 (maybe). It is odd in that has original black painted handlebars and a decal for the head badge. I found out that English bikes built during he war were not allowed to use chrome as it was in short supply and had military use. I saw pictures another bike like this (decal and black bars-no date was given), so I know mine is not a one off or thrown together from other parts. Raleigh was allowed to make a limited number of bikes during the War. Perhaps they had parts left over from war time production and put them on civilian bikes following the war's end?

As you can see from the pictures the logo is in cursive style, not the block style lettering that came later. Do any of you Raleigh/Rudge experts have thoughts on what production period the chain guard might be from - early forties or perhaps thirties??

Second question is since it is a decal, how do I carefully remove the layer of paint to get to the decal without destroying it? I was thinking of really high grit sandpaper?

Thanks, Jeff