Since this is C&V, the Evolution of the cassette apparently started quite early.

Bayliss Wiley Hub

https://www.ebay.com/itm/282324896152



This may well be one of those things that early patents happened, and essentially blocked development of the technology for 30 years or so. Then once the patents expired, there was a major boom of development across all brands. Shimano/Suntour/Campagnolo.

I actually am also one of the cyclists that made the jump from freehubs to cassettes rather late.

If I had only know the ease of acquiring 11T cassettes, I probably would have made the conversion long before. But, since I made the leap late, I've pretty much skipped the uniglide generation.

I am very disappointed that my previous experience seemed to indicate that the old freewheels were almost indestructible, and then I started getting cassettes, and really have to watch chain wear like a hawk.