Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 3)

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

As mentioned in the previous post,  Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 2), in this installment we shall continue to examine the remaining details on this bicycle which indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was one of the top high-end models. 

Let's start at the on the right side. 
 

 In Part 2 we covered the front half up to the seat tube. We shall start with the chaincase and continue working toward the rear.　This is an Upper-lower split-type chaincase.
(Side note:  Right-side pedal is an obvious replacement as it has built-in reflectors.)

Rust never sleeps. 

The chainwheel cover is still intact and proudly indicates Mitsuuma received the distinguished Ministry of Trade and Commerce Award. 

Nearly the entire bottom has completely rusted away.
There are two badges, let's take a closer look.
（Side note:  See the photos in the following "Japanese only" posts to get an idea of how prominent badges were　①、②、③、④）

"Highest Bicycle, Trade Mark, Mitsuuma Bicycle Co., LTD."

"Mistuuma Bicycle G"

Despite heavy rust, all the original hardware seems to be intact.

Let's turn our attention to the left-side.

Original rubber blocks on the let-side pedal. The rubber blocks are worn down indicating this bicycle saw quite a bit of use.

Rust, rust, rust, everywhere.  But the original hardware is still intact.

Heavily rusted screws are always a chore to remove.

Unlike the right-side cotter pin cover (Japanese only) the left-side still has the Mitsuuma trademark.

Transfer on the bottom bracket worn away.
Cottered bottom bracket.  Many first-time restorers ruin the bottom bracket assuming that these cotter pins are straight, like the cotter pins on the cranks. NO! These are crescent (half-moon) shaped and are only removed after the adjustable bearing cup has been taken out. 

Internal (expansion-type) drum brake.
Another sure sign that this bicycle was certainly a high-end model.

Note the oil cap on the top of the chain case which could be unscrewed to enable easy oiling of the chain.

Heavily rusted hardware, but all original and intact.

Rear carrier complete with "Mitsuuma Bicycle" stamped in Japanese.

三馬自転車＝"Mitsuuma Bicycle"

Mitsuuma trademark badge on back of rear carrier.

Mitsuuma Trademark

Note the fender stays are rusted and all bent out of shape, but a close look at these reveals that these are the high quality adjustable British-style fender stays; another indicator that this was a high-end model.
Unfortunately, missing the cloisonne fender stay badge. All that remains is the holes where it was originally attached.

Cloisonne enamel badge with Mitsuuma trademark, these types of badges are true works of art.
This separate badge is yet another indicator that this was a high-end model as, typically, there would only be the cloisonne rear fender stay badge, but this is an additional cloisonne badge.

Rear reflector.  Unfortunately, the lens is missing but the frame is a beauty, complete with the Mitsuuma trademark.
Difficult to see here but the Mitsuuma trademark is casted into the tiny bolt heads, same as the front fender stay badge bolts.

The details on this bicycle clearly indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was certainly one of the top high-end models.
But, what about now. Is she a good for nothing piece of junk?  Or, is she a "jewel"?   
You be the judge.
But wait, don't pass judgement just yet.

In the next installment in this series we shall begin taking a look at what extent Mr H. was able to breath life back into this Special Grade Gold Mitsuuma.

Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 2)

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

As mentioned in the previous post,  Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 1), in this installment we shall examine the details on this bicycle which indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was one of the top high-end models. 

Let's start at the front.　First up is the fender ornament.  She is weather-beaten but miraculously still intact. There are many fender ornaments, but not many as prominent as this one.  Click on the following link to see a closeup of what this  sleek stallion looked like when she was new.

If you look closely you can just make out the remnants of the chrome tipped fork a good indicator that this was indeed a high-end model.

This generator appears to have lost its badge as can be seen from the two rivet holes on the body.

Black center line rims along with the Mitsuuma trademark stamped on both sides of the valve hole. Again, another indicator that this was indeed a high-end model.　Note also that the hub is equipped with a grease nipple.

Cloisonne enamel badges, these types of badges are true works of art.
Each of the various colored pigments was actually applied by hand,  one at a time and then the badges were baked in an oven to achieve glossy glass finish.  These badges are over 60 years old.  The bicycle is weather-beated yet the badges maintain their high gloss finish.

The registration plate is still attached.  

Note the handlebars.
This style of handlebars, "through the bar" style, is yet another telltale sign of a high-end model.  Unfortunately, over time the original grips have literally disentergrated.

Although the original grips have disintergrated, the teardrop grip ends are still intact, another high-end model hint.

Front fender badge complete with Mitsuuma trademarks casted into the tiny bolt heads.
(Click on photo to enlarge and note the trademark on these tiny bolt heads.)
 

The seat tube has the Mitsuuma emblem.  This does not appear to be a typical riveted badge, possibly a brazed on emblem.

This badge indicates that Mitsuuma proudly received the distiguished Ministry of Trade & Commerce Award.

Here again, is another cloisonne enamel badge.  At the very bottom of the badge are two characters which together are read 謹製＝kinsei.  To me, no other word better conveys the spirit of the craftsmen and women of this period, or the Japanese spirit to provide the best product possible than this word 謹製＝kinsei.  It is written with two characters 謹＝kin and 製=sei. The first character 謹＝kin means "humble", and the second character 製=sei "to manufacture".  The meaning is "to pour one's heart into crafting the best product possible".    

You can see photos of other badges bearing this word 謹製=kinsei here (post is in Japanese language only).

The last badge at the bottom of the seat tube is a badge indicating this Gold Mitsuuma is a "Special Grade" model.
   

Is she "Junk" or "Jewel"?   
You be the judge.
But wait, don't pass judgement just yet.

Wait until all the evidence is in. In the next installment in this series we shall continue to take a closer look at the remaining details on this bicycle which indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was certainly one of the top high-end models.

Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 1)

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

Here is a Special-Grade Gold Mitsuuma from the early 1950's.

As far as project selection goes, this is one of those weather-beaten, broke-down rusty relics, not exactly at the top of the project selection pyramid. 
 
However, the details on this bicycle, as we shall see in a later post, indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was one of the top high-end models.   

Mr. H, who loyal fans will recall previously restored a Yamaguchi MARUWAI-GO, fell in love with this Special-Grade Gold Mitsuuma and deeply felt someone had to restore it for prosterity, so that current and future generations can appreciate the attention to detail and workmanship of these amazing machines at a time when, bicycles were prized possesions, literally holding the status of today's automobile.

She is rusted.


She is weather-beaten.

She is broke-down.

She is missing parts.

None the less, quality is quality, and a diamond on a dunghill is still a diamond.

Is she "Junk" or "Jewel"?   
You be the judge.
But wait, don't pass judgement just yet.
Wait until all the evidence is in.

In the next English post we will take a close look at the finer details.

Stands

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This post is in reply to an email I received from a young enthusiast, George, who writes "I have what I believe to be a 1950's Yamaguchi bicycle but it doesn't have a stand.  I looked on your blog but was unable to find any information on stands, the types and differences, etc."

Well George, you are correct I have yet to do a post on stands.  But this one is for you and I hope it provides some insight.

Generally speaking, if we exclude the common day single leg side stand, there are basically 3 different types of stands:
1. Channel
2. Box
3. Roller-equipped 

1．Channel Type Stand
This is the most common type of stand found mainly on, gents' and ladies' roadsters, as well as, utility cycles. 
Equipped with springs the stand is kicked up and when lowered can be locked in the down (stand) position.
These stands come in two main designs, chain stay mounted or seat stay mounted.

Chain stay mount type

Seat stay mount type

Note the short rear carrier, compare it, and the tire size, with the photos below.

2. Box Type Stand 
This type of stand is stronger and sturdier than the Channel type and is occasionally found on utility cycles but more commonly on light carrier cycles.  These types of stand were mainly fitted to the seat stays. Of the three types, Channel, Box and Roller Equipped, the Box stand is the least common.

3. Roller-Equipped Heavy Duty Type
This is the strongest and sturdiest stand occasionally found on light-carrier cycles but mainly on heavy-duty carrier cycles.  Referred to in Japanese as Kiraku (a cinch) the rollers on the stand enable the stand to be raised and lowered even when heavily loaded. These types of stand were mainly fitted to to the chain stays.

Note the wide tire, typically 2.5" or 3", and, the large extended carrier for hauling large loads.  Carrier cycles were true beasts of burden and the roller-eqipped stand made it possible to raise and lower the stand when loaded.

The Bicycle (A children’s book, 1942)

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Here is a children's book entitled "The Bicycle" first published in May 1942, just six months into WWII. 
The book allows a glimpse of a nation at war and the need for everyone, including children, to conserve natural resources.

Front Cover

Back cover
Cost 65 sen (Note that the currency unit is "sen", 100 sen equals 1 yen). 
The "sen" currency was phased out in 1953, and the unit is now only used in interest rates and exchange rates.
Even has the child's name written in hiragana, Takako Okada.

First published in May 1942

The following are telltale signs of old Japanese books.
1. Opens from left to right.
2. Horizontal script is printed right to left.
3. Use of old style characters. (國 ＝ 国、轉 ＝ 転、圑＝団、圖=図）

Foreword

Loosely translated excerpt from foreword.

‟As many of you know the importation of gasoline from foreign countries has come to a halt.
However, gasoline is indispensable for aircrafts and tanks.”

‟Thus, gasoline is very precious when it comes to protecting the homeland.
Which is why the use of automobiles and the like which run on gasoline have become limited.
But what can be used in place of automobiles?”

‟The answer is the bicycle.
Yes, bicycles do not require gasoline or coal.
And bicycles will take you as far as you can pedal.
That is why bicycles have become so popular of late, men and women, adults and children、even our soldiers in the field, everyone is using bicycles.”

‟However, precisely because there are so many people using bicycles, we must consider how we can take care of bicycles and make them last as long as possible.  In order to do so it is important to obtain a solid understanding of how bicycles work, and, how to ride and maintain them.  With this book you shall learn all these things."

Note the bucket is made of wood.


Note on the right page, a toddler with toy rifle riding tricycle.

Bicycle repair shop

Bicycle infantrymen

As the war wore on, scrap drives became more and more intense, very sadly many a bicycle was donated to the war effort and melted down for munitions.  Even Shibuya's icon, Hachiko, that beloved bronze statue; the original statue was donated to the war effort as shown in this photo of Hachiko's send-off ceremony on October 13th 1944.

Photo courtesy of "The Mainichi" newspaper. 

It is easy to see why Japanese, not only adults, but children who grew up during the war have mottainai-shugi instilled in them.  Next year the world will mark the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.  In addition, the world will come together in Japan as it hosts the 2020 Olympic Games.  It will be a fine opportunity for the world as one, to reflect on the past and reconfirm the rewards of peace. 

Mystery Tool

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I recently acquired a box full of old bicycle tools.

Tools are interesting, they are all designed with a specific purpose in mind; however, with old bicycle tools it is often difficult to figure out exactly what the tool was designed to do.  I have a few old tool catalogs which have been very helpful in uncovering the purpose of unfamiliar tools.  But catalog information is limited and I have had to rely on other sources to unravel mysterious tools.  In the past a fellow vintage Japanese bicycle enthusiast "ShigeP" over at しげP自転車の日記 (Japanese only), has enlisted the assistance of other enthusiasts to help solve a couple of mysteries. 

This mystery tool below was solved at ShigeP's blog and turned out to be a rear drum brake adjustment tool for Honda Super Cub scooters.  In the old days, bicycle shops serviced not only bicycles but mopeds, scooters and motorcycles.

This mystery tool below turned out to be a spoke cutter used to cut the excess spoke ends after assembling a wheel.

In the recent batch of vintage bicycle tools, once again, there was a mystery tool, one I have yet to come across. 
Let's take a look.

Appears to be some sort of pliers. 

Let's take a closer look at the tips. 

The tips have been hollowed out to create a specially designed cavity.

The cavity must clamp onto something, but what???

My guess is that this is a tool created to pull out stuck Woods (aka Dunlop/English) tire tube valve cores.
Let's take a closer look.

The Woods (aka Dunlop/English) valve core seems to have the same contour as the cavity.

Perfect fit!
The cavity diameter is slightly smaller than the valve core allowing it to firmly grab the valve core.

Valve core is easily pulled out without any damage to the core itself, nor the cap screw threads.

The valve rubber has a nasty way of welding itself to the valve inner walls, this is especially true on old bicycles which have been sitting for years.
 

Interesting tool. 

Most likely a one-of-a-kind tool fabricated by someone by machining the tips and then adding them to an old pair of Backsmith pliers. The two holes are obviously the original pivot point. 

If anyone out there has seen something similar kindly let me know.

Suzuki Shokai (Lessons in Mottainai-shugi)

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I came across an interesting Japanese article the other day "Kintaro Suzuki  Age 91  Flat Tire Repair".

Someday I in the distant future I hope to have time to translate it, as it deserves a wider audience.  A man in his nineties is interviewed and reminises about his long career and how times, and bicycles, have changed over the years.

The article was written seven years ago, back in 2012.  I located Mr Suzuki's bicycle shop online (Suzuki Shokai = 鈴木商会）and there were photos of him and his daughter taken last year in 2018.  I thought to myself, "I gotta meet this guy whose been repairing flat tires for over 80 years, surely I can lean quite a bit." and made a trip out to visit his shop.  His daughter, who now runs the shop, greeted me and sadly informed me that her father passed away in June last year (2018) at 97.  I was crushed to say the least.  However, his daughter graciously shared photos of the shop, stories of Mr. Suzuki and allowed me to take photos. 

Mr. Suzuki's workbench 

Loyal fans know that I think of hand tools as "temporary body parts", as, when in use, they are extensions of the body used to turn a screw, hold a nut, cut a thread, etc.  The User is the force and control behind the tool, thus the tool is simply an extension of the body.  Loyal fans will also note that I believe, to some degree, through repeated use over time, these temporary body extensions gradually become a part of us, and in turn, a part of us is transferred to them.
（see article entitled "Do things have souls?")

Much to my delight, as I completely expected, everywhere I looked, there was evidence of mottainai shugi (practically a religion based on a deep belief that it is shameful and a sin to waste things, and things must be repaired over and over until it can no longer be repaired to fulfill its original purpose, and even then, instead of tossing it out, show respect and gratitude by repurposing it, ie giving it a new life).   A picture is worth a thousand words so let me share just a few simple to understand examples.

1. Old rubber inner tubes cut up and used as large rubber bands to bundle spokes according to various sizes/lengths)

2. Old spokes fashioned by hand into clip-rings to hold same size nuts/washers.

3. Assorted tins, glass jars and other containers used to store small parts or serve as tool holders.

4. Old tubes used as non-slip grips or to serve as a cushions to protect tools when laid or dropped on the floor.

5. Make it last.  A very old wooden flat tire repair box patched up and still in use. 

6. Bicycle repair stand made from bicycle parts.
    Note the four legs are simply two handlebars!

Remove the bicycle seat, turn the bicycle upside down and repair stand post fits into the bicycle seat tube.
See photo of repair stand in use here.

Mottainai-shugi is one of the reasons I began restoring vintage Japanese bicycles.  I could not believe that people would throw away something that, with a little elbow grease, could still be used.

Suzuki Shokai is located just a 3 minute walk from Nishinippori train station. 
Yanaka 3-24-2
Taito-ku, Tokyo

Special thanks to Mr. Suzuki's daughter for her time and allowing me to take and share photos.
May your beloved father rest in peace.

Le Tour de Zushi （ツール・ド・逗子）

日本語での情報はこちらのリンクへどうぞ：　第11回ツール・ド・逗子

Mark your calendar, Sunday, June 9th is the 11th annual "Le Tour de Zushi" （←Japanese only) in Kanagawa prefecture.
This fun-filled event is a "stamp rally" whereby participants receive a stamp card upon paying a nominal 200 yen registration fee on the day of the rally and make their rounds receiving stamps for each checkpoint visited.  After participating in a brief safety class (Japanese language only) participants select a course; short courses with nearby checkpoints for the kids (must be accompanied by an adult) & beginners, and, for the more experienced cyclist, long courses with checkpoints around the Miura Peninsula.  

Date:　Sunday, June 9th
       　（Will be cancelled in the event of stormy weather.)

Time:　9:00 - 17:00　
         （Start anytime between 9:00 - 16:00
　　　　 and finish anytime before 17:00)

Place:  Start & finish at Kamegaoka Hachimangu　（亀岡八幡）
           (About a 3 minute walk from Zushi Train/Bus Station,
             next to Zushi City Hall)

Registration Fee:  200 yen, sameday registration at the event

Last year I had the pleasure of participating on my vintage bicycle (photo below) and it proved to be a great time to get out and discover hidden treasures in the local area around the Miura Peninsula (Kamakura, Zushi, Hayama, Yokosuka, Miura).

Hello Reiwa.

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May 1st marks the dawn of a new period "Reiwa".
I consider myself fortunate as I first visited Japan in 1982 at the tail end of the Showa period and returned to work here in 1989 at the beginning of Heisei period.   As I look back things have certainly changed.  Just to mention a few. 

Rod brake bicycles were still sold and some postmen delivered mail on their orange rod-brake postal bicycles.  

Photo courtesy of Postal Museum Japan

Western-style toilets were the exception rather than the rule and came complete with stick-figures to demonstrate how to use them.

Photo courtesy of 毎日がレビュー

Public telephones came in assorted colors & functions:  Red, Yellow and Green.
 Photo courtesy of NTT技術資料館

No electronic ticket wickets, train station personnel physically punched your train ticket.

Photo courtesy of めくるたび.

Before the 500 yen coin, there used to be 500 yen notes.

Photo courtesy of Wiki 5百円紙幣

At the office, no computers. The only things on top of desks were a telephone an ashtray and a two-tiered in-out tray.
（Yes, back then people actually smoked at their desks!)

Saturdays were workdays and school children attended school on Saturdays.

The vast majority of automobiles were equipped with standard transmissions and had side mirrors mounted on the top of the front fenders.

Large department stores had mini-amusement parks on their rooves.

Photo courtesy of Wiki.

No consumption tax! Can you imagine that?  Maybe those really were the good'ol days:)

Yes indeed, things have changed and time continues to march on.
I hope the "Reiwa" period will be filled with good health, happines and prosperity for all.

Spoke Bell （Video Added)

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In the last post "Nichibei Fuji Bell" I listed a link to a revolving bell on Youtube.　I received an email from H.G. who watched the video and wrote in with the following request:

"Thanks to your blog I am a believer in that fact that many old things are not junk, but actually a kind of buried treasure.  I was wondering if you could post a simple video of the spoke bell mentioned in an earlier post."  

Indeed, there is a post on the cable actuated spoke bell, as well as the rod actuated spoke bell but no video of either so the request is legitamate and shall be fulfilled.

Spoke bells are an ingenious design, whereby, when the lever attached to the handlebars is depressed, rod-linkage moves a spring held clapper into the spokes, and, as the wheel turns, each spoke then bends and releases the spring held clapper rending a machine-gun of rings:  ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding. 

(Okay, H.G. here you go, just click here or on the linked photo below to see and hear the spoke bell in action.)