Just throwing a number out there, but $1000 is too low by at least $2500. And, forgive me, but are those the original wheels to the bike? From where the generator sits, it looks like the bike would take the next size smaller wheel... probably a 650+?

So far, the invoice.

Invoice:


1 bike, demontable type, no. 1-72
Reynolds tubes, special
fully chromed frame on copper (probably meaning that first a plating of copper is applied)
derailed set by Huret, 10 speed
Unica leather saddle, campagnolo seatpost
weinmann brakes, Soubitez lighting
bag carrier AV-AR tourism with chromed tubes
Cinelli bars, herse stem


1 lafuma bar bag
1 crank set

It seems it's all still there (with the exception of the Lafuma bags), which adds to the coolness factor.

Sweet bike! Good thing it is too small for me...

I wonder how much it would cost to duplicate today? Almost makes me want to take a frame building course :D

Aaron :)

According to the invoice, it sold on Febuary 5, 1972 for the equivalent of 3175.61 USD (2012 dollars) taxes included. I think you're breaking even if you can sell it for more than that.

hm this is how far my high school french got me with the letter....


Dear Sir,


Your frame is in fabrication, I will do my best to make sure that the bicycle is at you disposal between the 31st of january and the 5th of february, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, in which case I will inform you at your address in Paris.


On the topic of the transport, you bicycle is of the "demontable" type, so I can send it on a much cheaper rate. If it's more convenient for you I can ship it by taxi (cab) to Orly (where the airport is) during your depart.


I won't charge you for shipping since I haven't got the right certification for exporting this merchandise, accordingly; I will have to reclaim from you the amount of taxes which are 23% of the total sum that you have agreed on with me (543,66 francs?). I will reimburse to you this sum based on the receipts by the customs during your departure.


I hope you agree to these terms, sincerely yours, Rene Herse

These R.Herse demontables seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately. Sure wish I had the bicycle fund to make you a fitting offer, children are proving to be my soundest investment lately. Ils sont magnifiques, and thanks for sharing such a gem!

amen. 3200 dollars for a full original spec demontable herse in this condition is a lot of green, but a steal. wasn't a rougher one, non dem. and with replaced parts going for 4000$ lately?

I was going to estimate 4- 5000, depending on who's looking. Rough guess.

But the pitting damage to the finish could hold the value down.

I'm sure they're mounted there so that the shift cables aren't an issue when the frame is separated for transport.

Send pics to Jan Heine, get $5k. Easy peasy!

That totally makes sense! Haha! and I thought frames that could be taken apart à la S&S were a recent invention. Interesting to see the marketing premise... Back then a démontable bike was popular so you could squeeze them in the small trunks of European cars while on vacation (no car bike racks back then?) Now they're popular so you can travel the world and avoid sky-high airlines charges while on vacation.

...and if Jan does buy it, the current owner will have the peace of mind that the bike will be nicely restored and will find a new home. Too bad the current owner can't keep it (I'm sure he has some valid reasons), but it's best if it goes to someone who can really enjoy it and take care of it so it can last at least another 40 years.

I think getting in touch with Jan Heine was a really good suggestion. He might not personally buy it, but I bet he could offer some great advice.

GREAT bike! I get so used to the lugs on my bikes that I forget what real craftsmanship looks like. Wow!

Yeah....that's what makes it brilliant. Impossible to do with the brake cables of course.

IIRC, an RH demountable was posted on the Rockford, IL CL this past year for about $2400. It was a very large size (64?) and still sold in a matter of hours within a day to a collector on the East Coast. FWIW, it was his size and not purchased as an investment. Not solely, anyway.

I wouldn't take less than $5,000 for that bike.

Actually, I wouldn't take anything for it, because I'd keep it! But I'd insure it for that amount or more.

WOW... Nice bicycle. I would hold on to it a little longer.

:thumb: me too.

Me three.

I'm never going to own anything this amazing and I accept that.

There's a fellow here in Melbourne picked up a Herse at a shop called Bicycle Recycle (I've made many a purchase there and they are good people) for a measly $350 or so within the last few years. The tag on it said "french touring bike".

hnnnnggg!

The wheels are original, 27", as specified by the original owner. I think the generator appearance is just from the angle I took the picture.

I'd definitely insure for 5k. The sale that I referenced was a bargain. A real beauty.

Wonderful machine. The ephemera (paperwork) would be very valuable to me, so it's great that you still have it. Good luck with the sale.

I agree. A note from the man himself? Priceless. I wonder what the big "X" through the note is all about.

That was the draft. The typed note is the final version.