William Tolman
| The image below is courtesy of Jim Boulton. It is
part of a leaflet that was issued in about 1869 by
William Tolman, cycle maker of Bell Street,
Wolverhampton and found by Max Hill when he unwound a
shocking coil that had been made by his grandfather, who
used leaflets as insulation. The specification
included gunmetal bearings and rollers, ash wheels,
varnished or coloured to choice, superior brake action
and forged iron parts. Prices varied from £3.15s.0d. to
£7.10s.0d. |
R.W. Ulett & Son
Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.
Vale
An 1885 Vale Roadster with a 52 inch driving
wheel.
| It is not known where Vale cycles of Walsall were
produced. The roadster had a 'kangaroo' chain reduction
drive to the front wheel and weighed under 19 lbs. |
Vanguard
An advert from 1899. Vanguard Cycles were
based in Bradford Street.
An advert from 1893.
The 'Victoria'
Joseph Whild
Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.
Whitmore
Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.
An advert from 1892.
B.F. Williams
Cycle maker B.F. Williams had a new purpose built
factory erected in Stafford Street. He produced a wide range of machines
that were sold under the names of towns such as York, Canterbury, and
Bristol.
The following description of the cycle works and Mr.
Williams' other products is from the "Illustrated Towns of England
Business Review of Wolverhampton" from 1897:
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B. F. Williams,
"Bell" Cycle Works, Stafford Street. This business
affords a striking proof of what may be accomplished by
energy and well-directed enterprise. It had its origin only
a few years back at “Elephant" Works and in this new
departure there is every indication of Mr. Williams being
eminently successful. "Bell" Works have been specially
constructed to meet all the requirements of the trade, and
are equipped with the latest and best approved machinery and
appliances for speedy and economical production. Mr.
Williams claims for the "Bell" that it is equal in every
respect to any machine on the market, and the numerous
unsolicited testimonials, and the unusual pace at which the
connection has developed certainly testify to the right of
this claim. A large number of hands are employed in the
various departments, and in all operations only the best
quality materials are used, while another noteworthy feature
of this establishment is the great care which is exercised
to ensure that none but the most sound and highly finished
machines leave the premises. An illustrated catalogue is
issued each season, giving full details and specifications
of leading lines, which are recognised by the names, "York,"
"Bristol," "Richmond," "Canterbury," "Royal," "Paris,"
"London," and "Brighton" Bell. A perusal of this catalogue
will at once convince that the gross prices will bear
comparison with those of any other house, while the terms to
all classes of buyers are equally advantageous.
B. F. Williams,
Manufacturer of all kinds of Tin, Sheet Iron, Brass, Copper
and Nickel Plated Goods, "Elephant" Works. Elephant
Works have been established a good number of years, and
occupy a prominent position among the business concerns of
Wolverhampton. They cover a large area, are well supplied
with the most modern machinery and appliances. They afford
constant employment for numerous hands. There is no doubt
that Mr. Williams possesses exceptional facilities to meet
all demands in the promptest manner, and among his numerous
manufactures may be specially mentioned baths of all kinds
and best finish, dish covers, meat screens, fish kettles,
teapots, etc., etc. Steel travelling trunks, deed and
despatch boxes, etc., are manufactured for both home and
foreign markets, the foreign trade being especially large
and valuable, this being a branch in which Mr. Williams
turns out an enormous quantity. The "Elephant" is a
registered trade mark, and bears a standard reputation in
all markets, while it will be generally admitted that in
each line the prices and quality will compare most
favourably with those of any competitor. Mr. Williams gives
the business his close supervision, and certainly no house
could put forth greater efforts to retain its connection and
reputation. The business of The Midland Plating Company
carried on at these works is an important one, comprising as
it does, nickel-plating and enamelling for the cycle trade,
brass founders and locksmiths. The Company have the most
modern plant for these operations, and all orders are
promptly executed at most reasonable prices. |
Winona
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From the Illustrated Towns of
England Business Review of Wolverhampton, 1897.
M. Bagnall, Patentee and Manufacturer
of Trunk Handles, Fittings, Washers, Bucket Ears, etc.
Manufacturer of the "Winona" Cycles and Cycle Fittings,
Cable Street.
For many years Mr. M. Bagnall has been
well known in Wolverhampton industrial circles as a patentee
and manufacturer of trunk handles, fittings, bucket ears,
washers, etc., doing an excellent and widespread trade by
reason of the great utility of his inventions, and the
general first-class quality of all his productions. In
recent years he has added cycle and cycle fitting
manufacturing to his other business.
The "Winona" is the
name given to the machines made by Mr. Bagnall, and so
considerable is the demand for them, that to meet the orders
already in hand, for the coming season of 1897, the premises
have had to be enlarged just recently. He makes both ladies'
and gentlemen's safeties, juvenile safeties, racers,
tricycles and tandems, which are fitted with the standard
makes of tyres, gear cases, and other fittings and
accessories to order. Mr. Bagnall is employing a good number
of hands in the different departments of his business, and
is able to execute all orders in the most prompt and
satisfactory manner.
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