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Will need to double check but pretty sure you’re correct with the parts. Yes John Bull lightspeed tyres, not looking too worn so hopefully a bit of life left. Gnutti front wheel (not sure about the rear) and Simplex gears. Stem is AS Gillott.
Pretty sure the seat came from a Dayton Roadmaster frame that came with it. What seat would you suggest to replace it? Calipers also, what would be a fitting replacement? Did think the plastic looked wrong.
Love the socialist trivia re. the red star, think the owner would’ve liked that too!
user112837
@clubman
That Thanet
The chrome on the frame has survived wonderfully, especially when compared with the Simplex rear mech and the (Gnutti?) chainset.
I note the front changer appears to be a cable operated Huret, presumably controlled from the double lever on the down tube - quite a rare feature.
The tyres look like John Bull 'Speed' which I haven't seen in the flesh for about 50 years. I would be tempted to try to use them if I kept those rims. As you know from my comments above passim I would have a pair of 700's or sprints in this machine if I were going to ride it anywhere other than a Veteran-Cycle Club event.
The Dayton saddle is obviously not original and also clearly poor quality.
Unusual in a small businessman Les Cassel (Mr. Thanet) declared himself to be a socialist - hence the red star in the Thanet badge (seems to be missing from this one). Clearly a one off character with a bit of a genius for publicity; I'd be interested to hear what happened to him after 1958.
One small point - those Weinmann calipers are anachronistic (black plastic centre covers). They seem to be the only modern replacement on the bike.
Anyway, I'm sure this remarkable find will give a lot of pleasure.