A frame has turned up which is probably a C.T. Wallis forgery (Harry Butler's frame builder): curly stays, over-elaborate lugwork, poor workmanship. It changed hands at ebay in 2024. Forensic analysis below.
1. The frame number is almost plausible for a 1979 build, but the font is wrong.
2. The treatment of the seat binder bolt boss is not up to standard for a Hetchins.
3. The fork crown extension is a pastiche, not Hetchins.
4. The seat tube ornament is a pastiche, not Hetchins.
5. The brake bridge is not standard for a 1970s Hetchins; clearly anachronistic.
6. The lugwork is over-elaborate on all three main joints.
Below are photos with the anomalous bits marked in red, as well as photos of genuine Hetchins of similar vintage for comparison.
Mouse-over for captions.
Ask an expert, before you commit at ebay.
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