The H.W.Cave Company of Colombo, Ceylon.

Ariels seem to have made cycles under the 'Arrow' name for H.W.Cave of Colombo in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka.

H.W.Cave was founded in 1876 by Henry W. Cave. His business began life as a bookstore selling books to the tea planters, but he soon diversified into musical instruments, set up one of the most modern printing presses in the subcontinent, became a sought after commercial photographer, and then a publisher. He also wrote a number of books about Ceylon including a definitive work on the Ceylanese Railway system.

The firm later included a sporting goods department, with Rickshaws, billiard-tables, Singer and Allday’s bicycles, etc.

By 1918 H.W.Cave had a Motor Department.

Some time in the twenties they seem to have become an importer of Ariels, probably bicycles made with their own transfer, but possibly also motorcycles.

This decal was included with others all dating from the 1920's so is assumed to date to that period.

© Copyright 2004-09 Jeremy P.Mortimore