Is there a Hawthorne serial number thread?

[rebirthbikes]

Hey everyone,

Im trying to track down a date on an old blue Hawthorne double bar that I have (pictures below) I’ve found the girls version here in another thread and it was dated a ‘37 and I’ve also found the red bike photo in the same paint schematic. Does anyone know if there’s a database for pre-war Hawthorne’s?

Serial number I’m asking about is in the photo.

Thank you for any help you can offer!

 

[Freqman1]

That’s a Snyder frame and they are generally identified by the particular characteristics of the frame as these were used about three years.

 

[rebirthbikes]

That’s a Snyder frame and they are generally identified by the particular characteristics of the frame as these were used about three years.

That’s good news, I think I remember a Snyder serial number thread. Did Snyder build frames for Hawthorne’s by chance? It’s badged a Hawthorne.

Thank you for the help!

 

[Freqman1]

Yes they built the Hawthorne Zeps which were top of the line for Ward.

 

[rebirthbikes]

Yes they built the Hawthorne Zeps which were top of the line for Ward.

I didn’t realize that Snyder built the Zeps!! That’s a bucket list bicycle for me. I love that bike. Thank you!

 

[J-wagon]

@Archie Sturmer

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Maybe 1939–H, from their Excelsior factory in Michigan City Indiana, closer (than Little Falls) to Montgomery Ward in Chicago.

 

[Freqman1]

Here is an entire thread about these bikes/frames.

Post pics of your "Fastback" zep-Hawthorne or rollfast | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

While these bikes have been in subject here lately, I thought it would be cool to see some pics. I know I'm not the only one who loves this style frame. They make great projects of all kinds. I'll start with my 1936 rollfast zep.

thecabe.com

I need to clarify my Zep statement. The Zep was Ward's top end bike. It was sold from '37-39. Each year the frame is different. The 'fast back' frame was only used for the '37 model. In '38-9 Ward sourced bikes from CWC as well so you will find Snyder and CWC built Zeps. Interestingly you will find Snyder Zeps with CWC Shockmaster forks as well. For more on the Zeps check out my blog here

Wards Hawthorne Zep 1937-1939 -

1937 The 1937 model uses the aforementioned ‘fastback” frame whichwas first introduced in 1936. The frame was used for models such as the Sport or Comet and was used all the way through 1939 (but only ’37 for Zeps). The frame was built by H.P. Snyder who distributed most of their product through...

vintageamericanbicycles.com

 

[Barto]

So from my revolution, Hawthorn used this style frame (Fastback) for 1936 through 1938 with small differences between each year! Please.m, anyone correct me if I’m wrong
1936 - Collet used to secure seat post on down tube. Drop stand included stops.
1937 - Collet replaced by standard seat post clamp, drop stand included stops
1938 - drop stand stops (tabs) added to frame below drop outs (Yours)
Of the three years produced, there were two different styles of fork trusses.

Rollfast and Hawthorne were the main consumer of these frames, however their where others such as Zenith (Others?).

As Freqman1 said, the 1937 Hawthorne Zep was the top of the line version of this frame! Tank with vertical gills, Paisley Chain guard, specific carrier, non-cross member handle bars, Kick stand instead of drop stand, black tail light, duck tail fenders, the all important locking fork and like all early Fords - they were Black!!! ( did I miss anything?)

Rollfast also had a high end Snyder framed bike in 1937. Had the same style tank and and duck tail fenders - maybe someone else can fill in some of the other details!

Corrections welcome!!
Bart