Head Badges

Manufacturers first used head badges to identify their products and to set models apart. Eventually, these brand badges were raised to a high art. Badges included imaginative names, themes, elaborate designs and techniques. They could be as simple as a transfer decal or as pricey as a precious metal such as sterling silver or gold. During World War II,
restrictions on metal prompted manufacturers to paint their head badges directly onto the bike frame.

C. W. Pinnell, Inc., Rowlett’s, and Agee’s are three of Richmond’s best-remembered bicycle shops of the 20th century.