This DNP derailleur may just be the earliest Taiwanese derailleur in this collection. It possibly dates from 1971, and - how shall we say this politely? - is 'highly derivative' of a DnB 66. The similarities are not just mechanical. The 'DNP' logo is written in the same font and style as DnB's logo, the same red colour is used, the pulley wheels have similar black dust covers. The list goes on and on, to the extent that I have wondered whether DnB were involved in its production.

But there are also some differences. The steel parts have sharper edges and poorer quality chrome. The arrangement of the p-pivot is signiifcantly different. Gone is the Huret style double wound spring to be replaced by a simpler single helical version, encased in a chrome dust cover. The p-pivot is held together with a circlip, not a bolt. And there is a subtler difference, most of the features of this DNP derailleur mirror those of a later DnB 66, but the DNP has a narrower b-knuckle - a feature of earlier DnB 66s.

Finally I should note that the small red plastic cap at the p-pivot is, beguilingly, embossed with a tiny, historical, European figure wielding an axe. What in heavens can this be about? Perhaps he is, symbolically, preparing to behead Sir Walter Raleigh.

In the photos, I have disconnected the p-pivot spring on the derailleur to allow it to take up a more natural position.

• Derailleur brands: DNP
• Themes: A riot of colour
• Country: Taiwan
• Date of introduction: 1971?
• Date of this example: unknown
• Model no.: unknown
• Weight: 276g including hanger plate
• Maximum cog: 26 teeth? (based on the, geometrically identical, DnB 66)
• Total capacity: unknown
• Pulley centre to centre: 46mm
• Index compatibility: friction
• Chain width: 1/8" and 3/32” (based on the, geometrically identical, DnB 66)
• Logic: top normal
• B pivot: unsprung
• P pivot: sprung
• Materials: steel

Ref. 825