The Shimano Lark is a Skylark with the cable clamp bolt mounted on a sprung ‘cable saver’ arm. I have always liked this feature as it gives a pleasant supple feel to the gear change.

I think this example is the first version with the aluminium(?) nameplate and screw pulley cage stop.

I have catalogued this derailleur as being ‘gold’, but I suspect that the name plate would, at one time, have had a painted background. However, only Grissom from CSI could tell us if this is true by analysing microscopic traces of tell-tale blah blah blah etc. etc. etc.. In the mean time we can appreciate it as a possible piece of 1960s bling - a suitable subject for a wager between Sir Bernard Docker and Auric Goldfinger.

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1. •Brand: Shimano
   

2. •My category: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
   

3. •Country: Japan
   

4. •Date of introduction: 1967?
   

5. •Date of this example: 1967? (date code is 4M, ‘333’ marking on pulleys)
   

6. •Model no: unknown
   

7. •Weight: 356g including hanger plate
   

8. •Maximum cog: 28 teeth
   

9. •Total capacity: 28 teeth
   

10. •Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
    

11. •Index compatibility: friction
    

12. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

13. •Logic: top normal
    

14. •Pivots: two sprung pivots
    

15. •Material: steel
    

16. •My theme: A riot of colour
    

0224/G