Company Logo & Name (Part 2)

次回、この記事を日本語版を投稿します。

In the previous post on Company Logos & Markings we took a close look at photos sent in by S-san the proud owner of a very well preserved Hikari bicycle manufactured by Dai Nippon Kougyou. We counted the markings on the front wheel portion and found there was a total of 31.  This week we will continue our count and examine the head, handlebars, top tube, down tube, seat tube and saddle.

The Hikari has head badges typical of those from the early to mid 1950's; bright beautifully enamelled badges.

In the photo below we can see the Hikari logo in both the middle (large) and lower badges. (2)   Keep in mind this bicycle, and those head badges, are in the vicinity of 55 years old.  Nowadays you don't see many headbadges, certainly none that are enamelled to this detail. 

Lamp bracket (1)

Handlebars (1)
Here we see Hikari mark on the cover which houses springs for the rod brakes.  This housing protects the springs from the elements and is typical of the high-end models from the 1950's.

Each of the two celluloid handle grips has the company logo (2)
Also note that the ends of the rod brake levers are coated with celluloid, again typical of bicycles from the early to mid 1950's.

The back of the bottom head/down tube lug.(1)

Back brake fulcrum (1)
As we previously saw on the front fender and fork, the logo appears at the beginning and end of the gold pinstriping on each side of the down tube. (4)

On both sides in the center of the down tube we find "Special Hiari Cycle" elegantly writen in flowing cursive letters.(2)

Consistent with the front fender , fork and down tube, the gold pinstriping on the top tube is on both sides and logo appears at both ends of the pinstriping. (4)
The frame cover (top tube cover) has the company log twice and the works "Hikari Bicycle". (3)

The guarantee badge bears both the Hikari logo and name. (2)
This badge was attached to the top tube in front of the seat lug (see photo below).

The saddle alone has five logos.
Note that the guarantee badge mentioned above can be seen attached to the top tube just in front of the seat lug.


One on each side of the saddle (2)

One on the top of the saddle(1)
Two on the badge attached to the rear of the saddle (2)

The seat lug bolt has the logo embossed on the bolt head.(1)

The enamelled badges on the seat tube are both large and elaborate, indicative of a high-end model. (1)

The gold pinstriping on the seat tube is consistent with the front fender, fork, down tube and top tube appearing on both sides of th etube with the logo at both ends of the gold pintriping.(4)

That give us a total of 34 for the head, handlebars, top tube, down tube, seat tube and saddle. The total including the 31 from last week's  Company Logos & Markings is 65.  In the next post we will take a look at the chaincase, crank arms, cotterpin covers and pedals.

Next week's post will be the Japanese version of this one.  I'll be back soon with another English post until then "stay trued and happy wheels!"