次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。
I've mentioned before that bicycles, much like automobiles, first came in one standard color, black.
Black may seem plain but the bicycles were accented with badges (link Japanese only), and typically gold pinstripes and decals.
Even the spokes were black enamel.
A typical package of spokes for a utility cycle from the 1950s.
Let's take a look at the information on the package.
"DOGO Spokes, Black Enamel with Nipples and Washers"
"#14 - 26" (14 gauge, 26 inch rim)
"Count For One Bicycle"
Recognize any important information missing?
If you have ever built your own wheels, you know how important it is to get the correct length.
But, there is no information on the package indicating this crucial information.
Actually, this is an interesting difference between "then" and "now".
In the "old days" spokes for utility cycles basically came in one standard size 283mm.
These would fit a standard-sized hub and 26" BE rim.
The wheel was assembled, trued, excess cut off with a spoke cutter and filed down.
70+ year old spoke cutter, but the design is similar to those used today.
Here is an interesting old tool.
A uniquely designed spoke cutter.
The adjustable slit on the tip fits onto the spoke and nipple.
And the cutting blade rests atop the nipple-head.
Despite the odd-design, I was surprised how well this tool works.
Interestingly, I've seen packages that do indicate the spoke length, though typically it is on spokes for roadsters which use a thinner gauge (#15). And, even then, as in the photo below, the package clearly indicates above the "285/mm" that the spokes are "2mm longer". 
In the next post, we will look at (luggage) racks.