English bike rear brake handle frozen

[prpark]

I have a 1960's English Bike (Hercules) which the rear brake lever will not pull the cable through. I have seen this before and was able to muscle the brake lever, but this seems locked up... Any ideas?

Thanks
Phil

[DaveM]

Most likely the problem is inside the cable, not the lever. The inner wire can rust and bond to the housing. Try disconnecting the brake and see if the cable will slide. Could be a problem at the caliper or lever, but cable is more likely.