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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• Derailleur brands: Shimano
• Categories: Shimano - from Skylark to world domination
• Themes: A riot of colour
• Country: Japan
• Date of introduction: 1967?
• Date of this example: 1967? (date code is 4M, ‘333’ marking on pulleys)
• Model no.: unknown
• Weight: 356g including hanger plate
• Maximum cog: 28 teeth
• Total capacity: 28 teeth
• Pulley centre to centre: 54mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 3/32”
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: sprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: steel