Brooks - B66 - Zadel - 1935

Some objects only become more beautiful and interesting with age. This antique Brooks B66 is a wonderful example.

An impressive and highly characteristic Brooks B66 genuine leather bicycle saddle, made in England and estimated to date from approximately 1935–1945.

This is the larger classic B66 model, measuring approximately 28.5 cm in length, with the substantial proportions and heavy double-spring construction associated with traditional Brooks touring and roadster saddles.

The saddle is clearly marked “GENUINE LEATHER – BROOKS – B66” in the leather, while the original metal mounting hardware is marked “MADE IN ENGLAND.”

Beautiful original condition

What makes this particular saddle especially appealing is its authentic, unrestored character.

It has been patiently and carefully cleaned by hand, with great care taken not to remove or disguise the natural traces of its long history. The leather has subsequently been properly conditioned and is now beautifully supple, firm and pleasant to the touch.

It has not been repainted, artificially recoloured or cosmetically restored. The warm variations in the brown leather, small marks, creases and other age-related traces are genuine and form part of the saddle’s character.

The leather retains a remarkably attractive overall shape and presents very well for its considerable age.

The substantial original metal undercarriage is also preserved, including the large twin coil springs, double rails, mounting assembly, tensioning mechanism, rivets and associated hardware. The metal naturally displays patina, minor oxidation, scratches and other traces accumulated through decades of use.

These signs of age have deliberately been preserved rather than aggressively polished away.

Functional as well as decorative

This Brooks is much more than an attractive decorative object. Its robust construction remains intact and the supple leather means that it is also suitable for functional use on an appropriate classic or vintage bicycle, subject of course to the normal mounting and safety checks expected with an antique bicycle component.

It would be an excellent choice for the restoration or completion of a period roadster, touring or city bicycle.

At the same time, its sculptural combination of aged leather, rivets, polished steel and large springs makes it a wonderful collectible or decorative object in its own right — particularly for a cycling collection, vintage interior, workshop, bicycle shop or industrial-style setting.

Provenance

The saddle comes from a private collection and has been carefully preserved and maintained.

Details

* Manufacturer: Brooks
* Model: B66
* Country of manufacture: England
* Estimated period: circa 1935–1945
* Material: genuine leather and metal/steel
* Suspension: twin rear coil springs
* Length: 28.5 cm
* Width: 21 cm
* Height: 11.5 cm
* Condition: good original antique condition
* Leather carefully cleaned and conditioned
* Leather remains supple and firm
* Original patina and signs of age preserved
* Unrestored and not artificially refinished
* Original metal frame, springs, rails, rivets and mounting hardware retained
* Suitable for both functional and decorative use

A beautiful, honest and increasingly difficult-to-find example of the classic Brooks B66 — an object whose age and authentic patina add to, rather than detract from, its appeal.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and provide the best impression of the excellent original character and condition of this antique saddle.