Marukin Bicycle (Second Half)

 次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In this post we shall continue our look at a recently restored Marukin bicycle.  Once again, a special thanks to the restorer, M-san, from Shizuoka Prefecture, for sending in photos.

As we saw in the previous post there are various approaches to a restoration.
M-san's restoration goal was to maintain the built-in history ("beausage") by cleaning up the original paint and chrome, and overhaul and grease-up mechanical parts.

Let's take a look. 

The Marukin fender ornament is streamlined and elegant.

I find its streamline reminiscent of that infamous locomotive, Lehigh Valley Black Diamond.
Marukin bicycle is stamped in Japanese on both sides of the fender ornament.
Also, note the Marukin trademark stamp at the tip of the fender.
The numerous stamps are a good indicator that the bicycle is 1950s - very early 1960s.



The bicycle has all the characteristics of the 1950s.
Note that all parts are original and bear either the Marukin name or trademark.
(front stirrup brake)


(front fender stay)


(front hub)


(front rim)



A before/after comparison reveals that M-san accomplished his restoration goal of cleaning up the original chrome.
(handlebars before)

(handlebars after)

(bell and grips)

The trademark on the back of the head tube lug is a telltale sign of a 1950s - very early 1960s bicycle.
Also, note the stamps on the fork crown. 

Even the head bearing cover has a tiny Marukin trademark stamp.

Amazingly, the head badge (link Japanese only) is in perfect condition.


Slotted hex head fender stay bolts (link Japanese only) and fender stay badge.


Old JIS mark stamped on the rear brake fulcrum.
Marukin trademark stamped on the brake fulcrum bolt.

The leather hammock saddle shows little signs of wear.
Note the badge on the rear of the saddle.


Marukin stamp on the top of the saddle.


Marukin stamp on both sides of the saddle.

Old JIS mark stamped on the seat lug.


Seat post bolt head stamped.
 

Marukin seat tube badge.

Marukin decal on seat tube.
Rear fender also stamped with the Marukin trademark, just like the front fender stamp.

Bottom bracket overhauled.

Marukin stamp at the top of the chainwheel cover, and at the bottom "Markun Bicycle Company".

Marukin stamp on chaincase chain stay bracket.

Barely any sign of wear on the rubber block pedals.
Each side of the rubber blocks is stamped with the Marukin trademark.

Slat on rear (luggage) rack stamped with the trademark and "MARUKIN WORKS".


Painted Marukin badge on rear (luggage) rack.
Large rear fender stay badge.

Rear reflector (link Japanese only) frame stamped with Marukin trademark.

Rear fender stays and channel stand stamped with Marukin trademark.

Band brake stamped with Marukin trademark and "MARUKIN WORKS".

Band brake overhauled.

Sankyo dynamo (6V6W) with badge, old JIS mark, engage/disengage lever, and splach guard.

Heavy-duty lock with Marukin trademark.

Rear wheel rim stamped with Marukin trademark on each side of the valve.

A true piece of Japanese bicycle history.  All original parts.
Two thumbs up to M-san and his Maurkin bicycle restoration!