This one was offered for sale by an auction house in the UK. The description was as follows (quoted from the auction web site):
*A circa 1975 Hetchins Lightweight Bicycle. An apparently unnumbered bicycle following the "Hellenic" build format, comprising an "H" headstock badge and decorated front fork crowns, 27-inch Alloy rims with Campagnolo narrow flange quick release hubs, an "H" decorated handlebar extension with 18-inch dropped handlebars, excellent lug-work picked out in gold on a black enamelled 24-inch frame, calliper brakes, 12-speed gearing, chain wheels, and fluted cranks with Campagnolo "Gransport" pedals, a Brooks "Professional" saddle is fitted, together with a period pneumatic pump and saddle bag, owned by the vendor for more than 30 years, the bicycle is in delightfully clean and highly useable condition.
Estimate: 800 GBP - 1,200 GBP
Category: Fine Art & Antiques
May 2015
the-saleroom.com
Editor's comments:
1. The auction house should have checked the authenticity first before offering the item. Shame on them. It's no secret that forgeries are in circulation and googling "fake Hetchins" brings up this very web site.
2. An unnumbered curly hellenic should have set off alarm bells. Buyer beware!
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