The 1976 Raleigh Sprite

There are only three vehicles that are truly appropriate for an autumnal tour of the British countryside. One is the Austin Healey 3000 convertible. The other is the Triumph Tiger 90 motorcycle, preferably with sidecar. And the third is the 1976 Raleigh Sprite.

Crafted in Nottingham, England, this is a bicycle built for whizzing past hedgerows on hilly, curving paths. A bicycle built for waving to gloved and goggled motorists as they glide by with scarves waving in the breeze. A bicycle built for fluttering skirts and fluttering hair, and for gathering flowers in rolling meadows.

It is outfitted with a vinyl Brooks spring mattress saddle and new 27 inch reflective tires. As with many things British, it requires occasional tuning to perform to its intention. The front derailleur will soon need attention, preferably from a qualified shop such as Via Bicycle on 9th and South in Philadelphia.

All this can be yours for a mere $120. As with all things of this nature, the price is negotiable. And interesting trades will be eagerly considered.

Oh yes, it's a wagon.

Marvel at its delicate beauty.

Happy 50th baby.

Its been a long life, but now we can die in peace. Together. With Koch's Golden Anniversary Beer.

Lemme tell you about the sickest swill in the whole god damned world. Or at least the Philadelphia metro area.

I bought this sappy crap in Jersey. $4.50 for a 12 pack. Compared to the astounding beer prices in Philly, that's an amazing deal. Hell, that's an amazing deal anywhere.

You look at the can, you think, "Hey, this is some serious Donald Trump shit." It's got a solid gold label, with ribbons claiming it as a the winner of the Great American Beer Festival. But when you read the small type, you realize they won in - get this - 1987.

I know what you're saying. You're saying, "Youre probably some god damned Philly hipster, and undoubtedly you drink PBR. And they're still reeling off of their 1885 blue ribbon thing."

But c'mon, that's totally like, nostalgic and stuff. What happened in 1987? Not a damned thing I can remember, and I was there. Sitting in Mrs. Taylor's kindergarten class, to be exact.

So let's be honest with ourselves. This is the worst god damned beer in the world. And I'm loving every minute of it.

I am a junksmith. This is my blog.

Welcome to Junksmith. I find a lot of junk, and I this is where you'll learn about it.

You should visit this site if:

• You like junk.
• You like to find junk.
• You want to buy junk.
• You're bored.

Thank you very much. Please stay tuned.