Hi again!
Your machine is so cool. Put some more pics on here when it's done.
I realised you were not a Coventry guy when I saw your posting this morning.
(with your new signature)
But, so what!!

I've had a mad day communicating with the Coventry Transport Museum.
Sent them loads of pics, and they have never seen anything like mine!
Despite having a Swift tricycle and other machines in their collection.

And all the local knowledge.
Well, it looks very 'interesting!'

When she said "worrying" she meant that it didn't fit into their current knowledge.
So it may be older than I think!! ( It can't be newer, can it?)

If the local Coventry museum doesn't know much about it, it must be a good prospect, and may be rare.
I hope so.

Also I called your friend/contact in Coventry today and had an interesting chat.
He sounded busy as hell, but still had time to discuss Swifts.
He can't be that old!!!
The main point he made was that The Swift Cheylesmore was a top of the line model in its day.

So I wait to see developments...
Looking good though.

I'm going to apply Kurust to the paint-loss areas as a temporary measure.
No way am I going to lose the remnants of the decals, or any of the the original paint.
My plan is to conserve it as best I can in its current condition.
And seek advice later.

Tonight I won a similar period leather Wrights saddle on ebay which will go on the Swift while I sort out the worn original Lycetts.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWN:IT&ih=014
It's an ongoing process.

More pics of my smashing 47 Rudge are available here:

http://flickr.com/photos/bikesruz

More available if you want.
(PM me is best.)

It is a public space and you can see several other bicycles of mine if you follow the thread/links.
Got lots of other interesting machines!