Retro-direct Man.D´Armes et Cycles - France

The company which name is exactly "Manufacture D´Armes et Cycles de Saint-Etienne" was established at Villeboeuf, Saint-Etienne, on 10 November 1885 by directors Minard and Blachom for the manufacture of sporting guns and bicycles under the "Hirondelle" or "Swallow" trade mark.

The model with retro-direct gear was introduced in 1903. Two gears were obtained by means of two opposing free-wheels with a change of gear being obtained by pedalling in the opposite direction. Continual simplification and quality control saw sales increase to 12.000 a year by 1911. The compyny failed in 1940 as a result of the Second World War.