The pair of German-made 1940 Achilles civilian bicycles you see here were hidden from the German army in an attic in Czechoslovakia throughout World War Two. (In 1938 Czechoslovakia became part of Germany, and would not regain its pre-1938 identity until after the war). My friend Nolan Bay purchased these beautiful Art Deco bicycles from a Czech couple who brought them to America to ride in a Wheelmen Meet in the 1990s. At the end of the meet they sold them to my friend in order to finance their trip home. The bikes eventually traveled to James Allen's Pedalers Bicycle Museum in Springfield, Missouri, and James kindly transferred guardianship to me.
Both bicycles are fitted with Torpedo hubs dated 1940. The skirt guard on the ladies' model is remarkable, as are the carbide lamps. Note the tool bag and frame pump on the Gents' model.
Both bicycles are fitted with Torpedo hubs dated 1940. The skirt guard on the ladies' model is remarkable, as are the carbide lamps. Note the tool bag and frame pump on the Gents' model.
1940 Achilles Gents & Ladies Roadsters ©Daniel Dahlquist