classic motorcycle forum

Hi folks,
I have just joined this forum.

My grandfather was the maker of New Comet motorcycles in Birmingham, UK, from about 1905 to the early 1930s.  His name was A.H. Haden.  Four generations, beginning with A.H. Haden's father as far back as 1869, were involved in the family business until 2002 when my brother had to close it due to so many changes in the market and world economy.

My brother and I are setting about the task of writing a short book about the history of the business and would be glad of any help from anyone.
 
We have a number of photographs but only a small handful of documents; very little family knowledge about the history of the business was handed down and we have had to fall back on trade directories and whatever we have been able to glean from the internet (which we find is of varying accuracy).  

We do know that apart from the New Comet period and the sidecars which were developed at the same time, the major product was components, mostly for cycles and motorcycles but other vehicles too.

We were involved with Regal motorcycles and Precision.  We had wins in South Africa early in the century and in the TT Races in 1920 and 1921, and gained a world record at Brooklands in 1921.

We are looking for any sort of help, such as knowledge of the cycle/motorcycle industry in Birmingham, or in finding models of Haden-made motorcycles which still exist.

It would be great to hear from anyone.  I will attach one or two photos later.