1930's Caminade Caminargent Octagonal Aluminuim Touring Bicycle Project. SOLD

A rare Caminade Caminargent is a landmark of mid-century French design, representing a radical departure from the traditional aesthetics of its era. Created in Paris during the late 1930s by Pierre Caminade, it is less a bicycle and more a structural study in duralumin and aeronautical logic.

Design & Materiality

At a time when the industry relied on brazed steel, Caminade utilised the materials of the burgeoning aerospace industry. The bicycle is defined by its octagonal duralumin tubing—a geometric choice made to provide structural rigidity while creating a striking, faceted surface that catches the light differently than standard round tubes.

The frame is a masterclass in mechanical assembly. Eschewing welds and adhesives, the Caminargent is held together by an intricate system of cast-aluminum lugs and internal expanders. This "bolt-together" architecture gives the machine an incredibly clean, technical aesthetic that bridges the gap between Art Deco elegance and mid-century industrialism.

A Study in Silver

The name Caminargent (a portmanteau of Caminade and Argent, the French word for silver) highlights its most captivating feature: a natural alloy finish. Designed never to be painted, the bike was intended to remain a shimmering, sculptural object—a "forever" machine that resisted corrosion through the quality of its materials rather than a coat of enamel

Preservation & Provenance

This particular example is offered as a project for sympathetic preservation. It retains its original duralumin mudguards by LeFol, which mirror the octagonal lines of the frame—a rare survivor, as these components are often lost to time.

For the designer or collector, this represents an opportunity for a meticulous mechanical overhaul that prioritises the stabilisation of the original alloy and the preservation of its decades-earned patina. Whether returned to the road or kept as a focal point of a collection, it stands as a testament to a golden age of French "Constructeur" craft—a piece of history that looks as avant-garde today as it did ninety years ago.

This Caminargent still retains its original Caminade rear hub with the rare Caminade 3 speed derailleur and beautiful brass lever. The mudguards stays are with the bicycle and will need fitting. The frame is 57cm (22.1/2 inches) and the wheels are alloy rimmed 650B with good tyres. Other rare and unusual French parts fitted are LAM brakes, Early Atom alloy pedals (wide fitting), dynamo set with Watson rear lamp, Duralumin hub wing nuts, dural handlebar stem and leather saddle frame. All favoured classic components for the French artisan bicycle "Constructeur".

From a private French collection of fine artisan built bicycles. See the other bicycles we have for sale from the same collection.  Now Sold.