RARE MODELS
The most popular models, based on the evidence of the numbers which survive and are noted in the Hetchins Register, were the Magnum Opus, Magnum Bonum, Vade Mecum, and Experto Crede. Special orders were, of course, one-offs, and are excluded from the Rare Models section here.
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The Cognoscenti model from the 1950s, one of only 5 known still in existence. |
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The sales records show that 25 were built. Boxes of unused lug blanks were seen in the shop in 1982; some lug sets are still in existence. |
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The Competition model is not rare, but the one below with its pointed and cut-out Brilliant lugs is--it is one of only three known to exist. The year of production was 1940. Standard frames before the War featured plain Brilliant lugs, whereas top-of-the-line frames (such as the Toni Merkens model) featured these extra fancy, modified Brilliant lugs. Full details. |
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The Experto Crede Phase I from 1950 was quickly succeeded by the Phase II; only three, possibly four, Phase Ones are known to have survived. |
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The lady's frame was known as a Mixte; a number of straight ones are known, but only three curly frames were built. Two of them are featured at the Complete Bikes Gallery. |
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The Vade Mecum Superb (below) was introduced in the 1964 catalog, but only six or so were built. Click here for full details of the one below. |
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The Trio (below) was a multi-functional frame. It had a patented rear dropout with two slots allowing the rider to lengthen or shorten the wheelbase, and two forks for road and track. The idea was not popular; probably only a dozen or so were made and only one is known to have survived. |
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