Philips bike
 

Hi
I am new here so i welcome myself.
I just got an old Philips bike that i do not have any clue (see in the attachment).
i am looking for information such as model and year.
I need a new seat so if someone have an idea, it will help.
another thing is that the left hand handle suppose to do something and i do not now what.
it goes down along the bike and then it is broken. what is it?

thx
Eldad (figaat)

Both handles are for the brakes, front and rear. I assume the left handle is for the rear brake, which should be mounted below the frame down where the front of the rear fender is attached. That style brake is called a rod brake, as they used rods instead of cables; they were used from the very early 20th century up to sometime in the 80's, I think, on some models of mostly British bikes. The Raleigh DL-1 is the best known example of a rod brake bike.

I don't know offhand how to date that bike from the small photo you posted, though judging by the seat frame it could easily be from the 20's or so. Better pictures would help. You might also try the 'Vintage Lightweight' forum at thecabe.com.

Stan
Don't remember if I have a sig