HHC Premier DHF

This Hillman, Herbert & Cooper is a bit newer than the other ones on this site. The 'pipes' on top of the head are closed.  

This one carries serial number 11994, it is estimated 1882. I made a graphic drawing of HHC / Premier serial numbers, click here.

This 54 inch bike was professionally restored in 2011-2012. It is perfectly fit for riding, but retains the old look.
Last picture shows the same bicycle before restoration. Rear wheel was replaced and the rear hub was perfectly copied from an original example. And look what a beauty it is now!

It has some intriguing details. There are two steps to 'climb' the bike. The fixed step on the left is original, the detachable step on the right side is normally not there on ordinaries that are only 54 inch high. But it's clearly an original HHC step! So, was the first owner a dwarf?
Then, there are two break levers, which we have never seen before on this model. It is original, since they both carry the serial number of the bike. So, was the first owner a dwarf with a paralysed right hand??

I made a graphic drawing of HHC / Premier serial numbers, click here.

Thanks Maarten Waarlé for the pictures.
   
   
   
   from the 1885 catalogue: