Adler - 1,036,135 - Bicycle - ca 1930

Description:

For sale is a beautiful, absolutely authentic ladies’ bicycle from the Frankfurt traditional brand Adler from the 1930s (pre-war period).

The bicycle is in an untouched, complete discovery condition (barn find) with great patina.

For collectors and enthusiasts of historic bicycles: Absolute original condition, no over-restoration, no repainted paint!

Historical highlight:

On the front fender is still the original, riveted metal badge from the delivery dealer of that time: “Fahrradhdlg. L. Martin, Näh- u. Waschmaschinen, SAARBRÜCKEN, Wilhelm-Heinrich-Str. 6”. A fantastic historical document from the Saarland!

Details & features at a glance:

Frame: Classic, elegant Swan-neck double-top-tube frame (ladies’ bike)

Frame number: 1036135 (well legible, impressed at the seat tube lug)

Drivetrain: Original, delicate Adler chainring (standard design of the 1930s)

Brakes: Classic stamp-style brake at the front (guide integrated directly through the fender), Fichtel & Sachs “Torpedo” back-pedal brake at the rear

Grips: Rare, original pre-war grips made of brown bakelite/hard plastic

Lighting system: Drop-shaped Bosch “Rotodyn” pre-war headlamp, model designation 84/2, and a bulky “Melas Standard” dynamos

Safety: Original round glass reflector (“cat’s eye”) in a chrome-plated metal housing on the rear fender

Brake carrier / cross-rod holder (also called cross-rod triangle):

On this metal part the word “LOUISON” is inscribed. This points to the historic French bicycle brand Louison Bobet. Named after the legendary three-time Tour de France winner (1953–1955), these bicycles were produced in France from the mid-1950s into the 1960s (often under license by well-known manufacturers such as Mercier).

Condition:

The bike is largely complete in discovery condition except for the tires and saddle. The frame shows age-typical surface rust, which can be perfectly preserved with Owatrol oil to maintain the charming character. The tires and inner tubes are porous due to age and would need to be replaced for ride readiness, and the bearings should be re-greased once.

Perfectly suitable as an authentic restoration project, a noble collectible for museums, or as an exclusive display object for shop windows, cafés, or exhibition spaces.