What photographs can reveal

I wonder if the broken tusks were a result of bomb damage?

Could be! There appear to be "war wounds" around the corner

Does anyone know if the carving of this elephant was done by a guy called Seymore Daws? I know that he carved plaques for Coventry Freemans Guild in 1933/34

Dropped handlebars on a bike in 1934!!!!!!!

Mick Strong Yes, dropped handlebars, single handbrake, bell, and no mudguards, in it's heyday in the thirties more than at any time, first time any one could get out and about, first time of mechanical transport.

Gears?

Dreamtime Yes your father was a very smart man. I believe he was wearing Brylcreem on hair, and possibly cuffs - that was a later tradition, the fashion for forward and smart men. I think this is a man that is going to a very serious meeting, not someone that is out just shopping - intrigues me, for 1934 a little out of the ordinary.

Mick Strong, Coventry's own John Kemp Starley is credited with producing bicycle gears in 1871 according to this article.

Thanks for that, some great pics and good info that I knew very little about. Could not find any mention of Sturmey Archer though?

Sturmey Archer came a little later (1902) and their website is quite interesting about the early involvement in motorcycle gearboxes. It can get a bit involved depending on how technical it gets! I found the 'heritage' link interesting. Sturmey Archer

Morning Kaga, My father would only have been 20 yrs of age when that street photo was taken and was not married until 1936. Who knows where he was going but at that time he was working at the Standard, Banner Lane and not long having met my mother. Funny, I hadn't noticed the cycle which I don't think would be leaning there for long these days. Have a good day Kaga and look after yourself.