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Etchings

Something that can be found on german, austrian or czech bikes (especially austrian and czech) are etchings. Etchings are usually placed on the frame, on the fork and of course on the chainwheel. In a difficult process including colouring, nickel-plating, usings stencils etc the pattern is etched into the metal. Usually the etching contains the name of the producer and art nouveau typical floral designs.

Styria Dürkopp, Graz, 1925

Styria Dürkopp, Graz, 1925

Styria Dürkopp „D“, Graz, 1925

Eska, CZ, ca 1923

Torpedo Rad
Puch Sportrad, Graz, 1935

Found on the frame of a Styria Bicycle: Selfmade etching of the owner and his adress „Goisern“, Upper Austria
Styria, Graz, 1925, one of my favourites

The „S“ of Styria, Graz, 1933
Styria, Graz, 1933


Sometimes the etchings were used instead of a headbadge, like L.Rabler, Altheim – see picture. Etchings were modern on bicycles from around 1900 to 1935 and are rather rare and sought after.

L. Rabler, Altheim
 
Steyr Waffenrad, 1930

 Often etchings are hard to find.

Styria, before
Styria, after