1920 All-Black Royal Lady’s Sunbeam
1920 All-Black Royal Lady’s Sunbeam
with Two-Speed Rear Hub Gear
23″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Frame number: 139737
A Sunbeam with rear hub gear is more practical than the epicyclic model, because it’s so much simpler to remove the rear wheel for a tyre change.
This bicycle was one of the top models of its day. It’s in surprisingly good condition for a 91-year-old machine, retaining its original fittings, paintwork and transfers.
This Sunbeam is fitted with a BSA two-speed trigger on the down-tube rather than a handlebar-mounted gear trigger. It functions well.
Below, you can see the brazed-on fittings for the gear cable.
DUKE OF YORK’S CINEMA, BRIGHTON
Brighton’s Duke of York’s Cinema was opened on 22nd September 1910, on the site of the Amber Ale Brewery. It was fitted with 800 tip-up seats in a carpeted auditorium, priced at 3d, 6d and 1/-. Boxes cost 2/- 6d.
The Sunbeam is parked at the Duke of Yorks’ Cinema,
next to the 1919 Rover Gents Roadster.
To read about the Duke of York’s Picture House and
Brighton’s pioneers of moving pictures
SUNBEAM HEAD-LOCK
Observe the head lock in open position (above), and closed position (below). Head locks of this style did not prevent theft – they were designed to keep the bicycle steady when it was left in a leaning position.
BROOKS B66 LADY’S SADDLE
It’s interesting to see the skirt-guard retaining clips and springs still in place and in excellent condition. The assumption is therefore that this bicycle has had little use.
