Friday, December 23, 2011

COLLECTIBLES: My head badges in Bicycling Magazine

Everyone,
Here's a quick scan of the artistic photo of a nice selection of badges from my collection, that San Francisco photographer Kevin Twomey took for the Jan/Feb Bicycling Magazine. It's not easy to get good photos of head badges and he took a winner here that I thought you'd enjoy seeing (I only wish my scan was better. I've asked Kevin if I can have a photo so I can improve the quality of this online version). I am always looking for interesting and historic badges so if you run across any in your travels be sure to let me know.

Happy Holidays!
Jim
This photo is much larger so be sure to zoom it

3 comments:

Dan O said...

Head tube badges = cool. Head tube stickers = cheap.

Lorri Lee Lown -- velogirl said...

Very nice collection. I LOVE the Titanic. I wonder who named that one and if it was before or after that fateful day in 1912? Product naming is a daunting task. Each of these has a story, I'm sure. Thank you for sharing, Jim.

Jim Langley said...

Thanks for the awesome comments Dan O and Velogirl. The best thing about all the modern handmade framebuilders and the handmade bicycle show is that a lot of the builders are bringing back head badges and that makes me very happy. There are some super cool ones too. And, velogirl, the Titanic is a complete mystery. I was extremely lucky to find it and haven't yet seen another one. But I can't find any information about it. I'm going to keep looking. I've heard that the town St. Etienne had quite a bicycle industry back in the day so someone in France may know the history. I too wondered if it came before the Titanic sank. I've never seen a Titanic bicycle but I can't imagine trying to sell it after the sinking. Thanks again for the comments. I'm glad you like the badges. Jim