BSA Folding Bicycle

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by rob love

I note that there seems to be black paint under some areas of the green. Were the complete bikes black, then over painted with the olive drab? Or just the frame and the pedal cranks?

Great find Rob, looks like you have more to start with than many others restoring these bikes!

Re. the black paint, I discussed this with an vintage bike expert as I found black paint on my Dutch Army bicycle too. He said back in those days they often - if not always - used black moffellak or baking enamel as a very durable primer coat. Over this primer the manufacturer could apply a top coat to the client's specifications.

HTH,
Hanno