EARLY Stronglight 32 / 49D Cyclotourist Crankset: 1930's / 1940's - 165mm x 48t Single - Marque (RARE)

This seriously rare piece of bicycle history is a Stronglight #32, which was the world's first square taper crankset released way back in 1932! Stronglight released the 32 only as a single ring, with the chainring shown.  It is identified via the complete lack of stamping or writing on the backs of the arms or the heads, the exaggerated bevels to the edges of the arm faces, more shallow flutes, and a logo stating only "Depose" and with fatter letters.  This crank was Stronglight's only square taper offering in the 1930's and 1940's, also accounting from a likely production interruption during the war.  I have never seen another one of these in person or even in photographs!  This is a real collector's item.

In 1949, Stronglight released to market the 49 (aka 49D) that ran into the 1980's.  The 49 was simply an expansion of the 32 crank, with only minor changes. It was available in single, double, and triple.  It had "49D Made in France" stamped on the heads, and then later stamps on the arm backs themselves.  There seems to be a lack of consensus of when the logo became Deposee and then Marque Deposee.  Popular knowledge puts it in the late 1950's, though there is evidence in advertisements that the "Marquee Deposee" wording was at least conceived in the late 40's even if it wasn't consistently put on crank arms until the later 50's. 

Condition

Exceptionally nice condition for an 80 to 90 year old aluminum crankset! Arm ends are only slightly scraped.  Chainring bolts are all matching and have the patina to suggest they're they original bolts.  Driveside logo has heel rub that has rubbed off the bottom edge of the logo.  Toe strap (or shoe) rub near the pedal holes.  Nice patina in the form of cosmetic scratches and marks throughout, but nothing to write home about.  No cracks.  This would be right at home on a show bike with some patina, or in a bicycle history museum's display case.

Details

• Arms: 165mm
• French pedal threads 
• Duraluminum alloy
• Square taper
• 48 tooth single ring (3/32")
• BCD: 50.4mm