Len Ingram researched the following on head tube badges:
Head tube badges first appeared in the Hetchins catalog in 1939 or 1940.
There were three head badge types used on Hetchins frames. Judging by photographs, early frames had no head badges; the earliest head badge we have seen is from 1938, but there may have been earlier examples.
The first version [top left] was stamped in brass and enamelled with either a blue or black background with red and white trim. The fixing holes are 66mm apart; total height 72mm. A few survive with original colors on. [see fig. below]
The second, version [top right] was cast in Mazak alloy with 61mm fixing centres and its was used from the early 40s until the early 60s. These are thicker and heavier than the first version. Some badges have fixing holes with a different dimension; it is not known why (possibly these are later reproductions).
The third version [above] was used from the mid 60s until the very early 70s. The one pictured above was plated and enamelled and is quite difficult to find not on a frame. Fixing holes: 38mm c-to-c; total height 52mm.
All three versions were fixed with rivets.
Short frames sometimes had paired-down badges to fit between the long points of the lugs.
Not all frames had badges fitted as some customers did not want them.
After the early 70s, most frames had a transfer fitted.
Some time later both the cast head badges were reproduced in bronze. The reproduction of the first version is full sized and can be identified by the slightly less precise detailing. The reproduced second version is smaller than the original second version; 51mm c-to-c as opposed to 62mm.
Renovated frames could have had any version fitted.
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