Malvern Star 1948 "Coronation Elizabethan" ??

[ozzie1958]

Hello,
Can anyone identify a bike on eBay that has just been listed. Is this bike what it claims to be, as my mother had one that I remember.
I want to purchase it for her as a present and have it restored. What would be a restoration cost if anyone knows approximately. Is the bike overpriced at a starting bid of $500.00 ?
Thanks Ozzie1958...

[find_bruce]

Hello,
Can anyone identify a bike on eBay that has just been listed. Is this bike what it claims to be, as my mother had one that I remember.
I want to purchase it for her as a present and have it restored. What would be a restoration cost if anyone knows approximately. Is the bike overpriced at a starting bid of $500.00 ?
Thanks Ozzie1958...

Hi Ozzie & welcome outside. I have moved your post to the retro forum where you are more likely to receive a knowledgeable reply. In case you haven't come across it, there is a lengthy thread on the Malvern Star Coronation "Elizabethan"

If it is indeed a 1948 bike, it would predate the Coronation or the Elizabethan - see Clydsdale Scot's thread on his gorgeous restoration of a 1948 loop frame ladies bike that was Streamlined, Glamorous and Exciting

I presume this is the ad you are referring to
.
Interesting non-original dunelt stamped chainring

[bicyclepassion]

The seller has taken a lot of nice photos, but has neglected to take one showing the broken and re-welded seat bar. (God bless him). A good percentage of these broke in exactly the same place, as discussed at length in previous threads. Not a difficult repair, as the seat bar can have an internal sleeve added, but it does detract from its value and aesthetic. As to whether it's worth the starting bid, who knows. The cost of a 'professional' restoration on a bike like thus could run to heaps, say $600 for correct paint for a start.

[ozzie1958]

So it has a broken or rewelded seat bar. I will ask the seller to take clear photos of that and post them before I place my bids.
I notice that the auction now starts at $175.00.
Thanks for pointing that out for me.

[Clydesdale Scot]

the starting price may have been looking at this one sold a few weeks ago.
The copy with that listing proclaimed: "Malvern Star Coronation Special limited edition bicycle. Released in conjunction with the coronation of the Queen. Numbers stamped 51M over 3922."
51 in the frame numbers is 1951. How can it be released in conjunction with the coronation of the Queen, when the King was still alive?
King George VI died in 1952.

This style of frame usually goes for in the low to mid 300 dollars. The guards are a plus. The repair on the tubes is a minus.
It depends on the finish you want to achieve. The first series, the New Look, and the currently advertised bike is one of those, was marketed as a bike for elegant and sophisticated ladies. By the time of the 'Coronation" in 1953, they were a prize in a toothbrush company's "novelty question contest".
The advertisements for the New Look suggested a far more decorative finish than later models.
When working with bikes, leave the accountants hat off, and do something that will be for future generations. Some people spend money on alcohol, cigarettes, watching others play sport, or golf etc. I spend money on bikes. I and enjoy the journey and have something to show for the effort. Then I get to ride the bikes.

[ozzie1958]

I messaged the seller about what you said. He has put up some new pic's of that weld. I pointed out to him/her that the bike was a
New Look model and not a coronation.
The description has since changed. Lol
Based on the weld pics, should I purchase this one or wait for another?
Do these come up enough to wait?

[find_bruce]

These are the photos showing the welding

[ozzie1958]

Yes, That's it.

[Torana68]

Wouldn’t touch it, but if you do get a frame builder to replace that tube.

[P!N20]

These are the photos showing the welding

I've never welded anything in my life, but I reckon I could have done a better job than that.

[Clydesdale Scot]

if you are Melbourne, contact (forum member) Peter Campbell and get his views on repairing/painting it
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category ... 558911578/

and how someone competent has repaired the seat tube with a sleeve
Clarence st cyclery resto by philip.knight, on Flickr