BSA Tool Bag & Inflator

BSA Tool Bag & Inflator

These illustrations are from the 1914 BSA catalogue.

c1910 BSA TOOL BAG

This original 1910 BSA tool bag may be rarer than a 1910 BSA bicycle?

As vintage bicycle components and accessories continue to appreciate in value due to the ease of advertising them on ebay, it may help you differentiate original equipment from reproduction if I document what I can on this website.

The easiest way to tell a genuine tool bag from a repro is the stitching and the front clasp. An original bag also has patent numbers stamped into the sides (above and below).

1926 BSA CATALOGUE

1998 REPRO BSA TOOL BAG

Tony Colegrave is a vintage bicycle enthusiast who used to run the Brooks factory repair service before setting up on his own. He’s based in Kent. His work is of a very high standard and these days he’s very busy, mostly repairing saddles for veteran machines.

This was one of his first reproduction BSA tool bags, made in 1998 when he was still perfecting his techniques. Comparing it with the original at the top of the page you can see obvious differences. Original BSA tool bags are almost impossible to find, and reproductions almost as scarce. I’m very happy with this one on my bicycle.

I bought this bag from my friend Dave. I had to laugh when he showed me how he’d crossed out the £25 price on the receipt and replaced it with £5, so he didn’t get into trouble with his wife. The things we bicycle enthusiasts have to go through… 🙂

1926 BSA CATALOGUE

BSA INFLATORS

Here’s a pair of BSA pumps for comparison. The one on the right is a Bluemels. As you can see, it’s slightly shorter.

The BSA logos on the handles are different. I think the Bluemels is an older design.