Italianate Mk I Prototype
Tottenham, 1967
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Every now and then, something turns up which is rare, even for a Hetchins. This is one such: a prototype/exhibition frame from 1967. Below is a reprint from an article which first appeared in Cycling, 15 April 1967. Alf had come by the office to show off three new frames, a Hellenic, an Italianate Mk I, and an Italianate Mk II. We have long known what distinguishes the Hellenic model: an equilateral triangle whereby the seat stays cross the seat tube below the seat lug and anchor under the top tube, as depicted in the article below. We have also long known what distinsguishes the Italianate Mk II model: namely, seat stays integrated into the seat binder bolt assembly. However, we had not seen clear evidence of the distinsguishing characteristics of what Alf called an Italianate Mk I. Until this frame turned up.
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The above article describes the Italianate Mk I as having "a tumble of lace down the seat stays, the Allen key fitment, placed behind and below the seat cluster, brazed to an integral lapped lug, and the slope-shouldered fork crown." The frame featured here appears to bear its original livery and inscription in gothic lettering, and matches the description in exact details, down to the 1967 frame nr. In the opinion of this Editor, the probability is very high that we are looking at the very same frame which Alf presented to the editors and staff of Cycling magazine in April 1967.
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