Claud Butler Cycle Shop HP agreement (1 of 2)

In my 1948 Post Office London Directory 71 Grand Parade is listed as ‘Butler Claud (Bicycles) Ltd Cycle mkrs’.

Us kids thought ourselves so privileged to have the famous Claud Butler (and Wally Barnes shop too) shop on our doorstep. We never passed the shop without stopping and gazing at the wonderful bikes on display in the window – so far beyond our wildest dreams.I bought my first proper bike from Claud Butler after starting my 5 year apprenticeship as an electrical instrument-maker in Roseberry Avenue, Clerkenwell.

The bike was a rather sporty ‘Sun’ with dropped handlebars and derailleur gears, though not the fabulous and expensive ‘Campagnolio’ and with no ‘double clanger’.

It cost me seventy five weekly instalments at 6/6d (32p) a week. Though this was a struggle as an apprentice I was only earning 10/- (50p) a week - so my dear old dad chipped in.

As can be seen from the scan of my HP payment book the CB company was then in the name of W. Hinds (Sports & Cycles) Ltd.