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Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 3)

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次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

As mentioned in the previous post,  Gold Mitsuuma ‶Junk or Jewel″ (Part 2), in this installment we shall continue to examine the remaining details on this bicycle which indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was one of the top high-end models. 

Let's start at the on the right side. 
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 In Part 2 we covered the front half up to the seat tube. We shall start with the chaincase and continue working toward the rear. This is an Upper-lower split-type chaincase.
(Side note:  Right-side pedal is an obvious replacement as it has built-in reflectors.)
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Rust never sleeps. 
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The chainwheel cover is still intact and proudly indicates Mitsuuma received the distinguished Ministry of Trade and Commerce Award. 
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Nearly the entire bottom has completely rusted away.
There are two badges, let's take a closer look.
(Side note:  See the photos in the following "Japanese only" posts to get an idea of how prominent badges were 
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"Highest Bicycle, Trade Mark, Mitsuuma Bicycle Co., LTD."
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"Mistuuma Bicycle G"
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Despite heavy rust, all the original hardware seems to be intact.
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Let's turn our attention to the left-side.
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Original rubber blocks on the let-side pedal. The rubber blocks are worn down indicating this bicycle saw quite a bit of use.

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Rust, rust, rust, everywhere.  But the original hardware is still intact.
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Heavily rusted screws are always a chore to remove.
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Unlike the right-side cotter pin cover (Japanese only) the left-side still has the Mitsuuma trademark.53

Transfer on the bottom bracket worn away.
Cottered bottom bracket.  Many first-time restorers ruin the bottom bracket assuming that these cotter pins are straight, like the cotter pins on the cranks. NO! These are crescent (half-moon) shaped and are only removed after the adjustable bearing cup has been taken out. 
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Internal (expansion-type) drum brake.
Another sure sign that this bicycle was certainly a high-end model.
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Note the oil cap on the top of the chain case which could be unscrewed to enable easy oiling of the chain.
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Heavily rusted hardware, but all original and intact.
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Rear carrier complete with "Mitsuuma Bicycle" stamped in Japanese.
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三馬自転車="Mitsuuma Bicycle"
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Mitsuuma trademark badge on back of rear carrier.
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Mitsuuma Trademark
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Note the fender stays are rusted and all bent out of shape, but a close look at these reveals that these are the high quality adjustable British-style fender stays; another indicator that this was a high-end model.
Unfortunately, missing the cloisonne fender stay badge. All that remains is the holes where it was originally attached.

Cloisonne enamel badge with Mitsuuma trademark, these types of badges are true works of art.
This separate badge is yet another indicator that this was a high-end model as, typically, there would only be the cloisonne rear fender stay badge, but this is an additional cloisonne badge.
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Rear reflector.  Unfortunately, the lens is missing but the frame is a beauty, complete with the Mitsuuma trademark.
Difficult to see here but the Mitsuuma trademark is casted into the tiny bolt heads, same as the front fender stay badge bolts.
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The details on this bicycle clearly indicate that, back in the early 1950's, this was certainly one of the top high-end models.
But, what about now. Is she a g
ood for nothing piece of junk?  Or, is she a "jewel"?   
You be the judge.
But wait, don't pass judgement just yet.

In the next installment in this series we shall begin taking a look at what extent Mr H. was able to breath life back into this Special Grade Gold Mitsuuma.


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