Can anyone help to identify an old Claud Butler?
 

Hi everyone, I've just bought an old Claud Butler to use temporarily, and I'm trying to track down its age/model. I'd love to know a bit more about its past, and see if its worth fixing up to its former glory.

I've had a look on the BB shell, but I can't find a serial number - I thought someone here may be able to narrow down the age from the picture of the headbadge?

Any information would be really appreciated - there are a few (blurry) pictures here. It has Stronglight cranks, Weinmann brakes and Shimano 600 drilled levers - not sure how original they are.

Thanks,
Matt

Sorry, but I'm not going to join another site to be able to look at pics. Can you download them or post elsewhere?

Very sorry, I thought anyone could see those. I've put them here, which should work better.

I just found a serial number, as well: 000337 - does that mean anything to anyone?

Lots of Claud Butler info here: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nkilgariff/ClaudButler.htm

It's hard to tell from your pics, but I'm guessing it's 1960s or 70s vintage. Here's a quote from Hilary Stone on the serial # system, originally posted to the CR list. I'm not sure this scheme applies to later CB bikes:

"Claud Butler frame numbers only appear in my experience on the bottom
bracket and steerer. 1950 and onwards numbers are definitely divided into
essentially two parts - month of production and year expressed like 50 6 or
53 10 and a serial number. The serial number can be between two and four
digits long. The numbering system pre and post war otherwise generally has
similar characteristics but is not exactly the same for example 1949 start
with a 9 but whether a month is built into the rest of the number I do not
know. If there is no number on the BB the next step is undoubtedly to check
the steerer."

Neal

I'm pretty sure that it is a Holdsworth Claude Butler, from the mid-70's just based on frame details. The serial number doesn't compute, though.

The angles and what might be a lamp bracket on the fork suggest 50's to early 60's.

the lugs look wrong, too thick and uninspired.

The headbadge while overpainted, is placed on with pop rivets...

Why do I not think the badge belongs to the bike?