This is the earliest Double Hollow Forks bicycle we know. It has serial nr 4990 and must be the 1879 model.
At that time the firm was still called Hillman and Herbert. Cooper entered the firm in 1880.
Unique is the rear wheel bearing, never seen on any other DHF.
And look at the patent on the cranks, which are indeed fixed in a very special way.
The owner wishes to restore the (missing) handlebars, so if there is anyone who has or knows a Hillman and Herbert with rear wheel brake, please mail me. I will contact you to the owner of this bicycle and we all can help eachother.
Click the picture to see more details on my Flickr site.