The bicycle below was spotted at the 2013 Tokyo “Cycle Marche” bicycle fair. It was apparently for sale and claimed to be a Rene Herse. Whilst the frame bears some resemblance to Rene Herse frames there are elements that don’t translate. For example the lugs and drop outs don’t appear similar to Rene Herse of the period. The rear derailleur hanger profile and dimensions also don’t look akin to Rene Herse. And the front derailleur features a round tube sliding mechanism rather than the usual Rene Herse trademark square tube sliding mechanism.
The stem appears to be the only Rene Herse proprietary component. Other period components include Lefol cantilever brakes, levers and guards, Maxi-C.A.R. hubs, Cyclo rear derailleur, Stronglight alloy (model 49D) cranks and steel headset, Ideale saddle and Bell wing nuts.
The frame also has an unusual screw down seat post fixing. It is similar to that in the last image below from Le Cycliste (no.7, July, 1949, p.137) A Daniel Rebour drawing described as “Asklip” on the stand “Bourny”, Paris in 1949.
On balance I would say that the frame is possibly an early 1940s Rene Herse frame or, more likely, not a Rene Herse frame but perhaps an artisan built frame from a French frame builder of the period. All the same a quality French bicycle from the late 1940s or early 195os.
The asking price was 1.5m Yen.
Asklip, stand Bourny, Paris. (Le Cycliste, no.7, July 1949, p.137).
marcfellman 