The bike is a 1957 Raleigh Sports 23 inch frame. It is in very original and complete condition with most options fitted, including a dry battery unit, 3 speed Sturmey Archer AG Dynohub stamped '57' for the year, rod brakes, Sturmey Archer chrome headlight, fully enclosed chain, all original paint and decals, Union pedals with a crossed thread on the rh pedal, original black wiring and Dunlop tyres with 90% tread marked 'Made in Malaya'. It has a black Brooks B66 saddle with all rails and coil springs chromed. There is also a seat stay with a turnbuckle from the nose of the seat to the top tube of the frame, also chromed. There is a brazing repair to the back mudguard where it passes under the seat stays. There is some paint scratched off the side of the headtube. The silver headtube badge says 'Raleigh, Nottingham, England'. There is a lever on the seat tube bolt, wingnuts on the front axle and a gold anodized aluminium Raleigh logo with wings on the front mudguard.
I believe that the bike had been in a shed from the mid 1960s until I bought it, particularly since the quite fresh tyres were not made after the 1950s.
Everything on the bike works, though the tail light lens is broken and is taped on.
I'd washed and degreased my bike the evening before anbd for the first time left it outside the house, outside my front door, locked with a heavy cable to a large, heavy oak chair (nothing else was available and I didn't want the bike to drip onto the floor inside).
I was expecting a package from Australia Post who deliver on Saturday mornings here. I was in bed when I heard a van pull up in the driveway and there was a knock on the door. After a moment, I heard a van door close and a van drive off. I thought it was Australia Post leaving my parcel. 20 minutes later I opened the door to find my bicycle and the heavy chair gone.
One of my neighbours saw a plain white van arrive, drive down the drive, and leave a few minutes later.
If only I had not been expecting Australia Post, and had got out of bed. The police said the thieves' MO is to knock with a bogus 'wrong house' delivery story ready, and if there is no answer, to steal the bike or whatever of value they have spotted.
The police said the thieves operate in a pair with a van, and may have 'spotters' working for them.
Naturally I've reported the theft to the police and I'm watching eBay and Gumtree for the bike or parts, and I've alerted classic bike shops, Cash Converters and other pawn shops.
I'll pay a SERIOUS REWARD for the return of this bike.
