1938/39 Hawthorne identification help please

Drummerboy

Look Ma, No Hands!

• Jan 28, 2015

• #1

I'm very excited to say that, today I'm going to pick up my first Pre War Skiptooth bicycle. It's a 1938/39 Hawthorne. I'd like help identifying the exact model, year if possible, and also what parts are incorrect or missing. The seller has stated that the rear rack is incorrect, possibly from Schwinn. I'd like to know if the chain guard is correct for sure and any other parts that may need changing. The saddle of course is newer but, looks great and I'll probably be leaving it.

Once again, I'm stoked! Thanks.

 

jpromo

Cruisin' on my Bluebird

• Jan 28, 2015

• #2

The rack is actually correct, as is the 38-39 assessment built by HP Snyder. Since this is not the fully deluxe Hawthorne Zep model, it likely did not come with a chainguard. This one is a universal aftermarket piece. Chainring is Western Flyer and pedals are 70s. The important parts are all original though, with just some easy pieces to swap, making it correct. Looks like there may be some original paint left under the spray job too. Cool bike; enjoy!

Here's a catalog image:

http://www.nostalgic.net/bicycle87/picture207

 

Last edited: Jan 28, 2015

Jeff54

Cruisin' on my Bluebird

• Jan 28, 2015

• #3

Based on the welding and seat stay I'd expect that at earliest 40-41 and may be newer. by this period manufactures were electro welding and the rear drop out and bars to head post appear so. during and just after war most bikes would have a combination of brazing and electro weld. So, because all of the forward bars appear to be electro welded it's possible post war.
disclaimer: I know nothink about hawthorns!

 

rustjunkie

. . . . . . .

Moderator

• Jan 28, 2015

• #4

Hard to say from the pics, but it looks like the fenders don't match. The front looks peaked and the rear not...is that so?

Looks like your wheels are newer than the bike too. The hub might have a large brake arm with NEW DEPARTURE in big letters: 1950s.

 

rustjunkie

. . . . . . .

Moderator

• Jan 28, 2015

• #5

From bikes and catalogs I've seen, 1939 took a longer rear fender with horizontal brace.

What's the serial #? I can compare it to the bikes here.

 

rustjunkie

. . . . . . .

Moderator

• Jan 28, 2015

• #6

Is that black paint I see under the red?

 

catfish

Riding an Alexander Rocket Bike

• Jan 28, 2015

• #7

Cool bike. I love these frames.

 

Drummerboy

Look Ma, No Hands!

• Jan 28, 2015

• #8

The original paint was sand blasted off by the last owner. It was semi restored, then had a faux patina added.

As far as the fenders go, I'm going to look it over one more time before finalizing the deal.

So the crank is incorrect?

 

rustjunkie

. . . . . . .

Moderator

• Jan 28, 2015

• #9

Drummerboy said:

The original paint was sand blasted off by the last owner. It was semi restored, then had a faux patina added.

As far as the fenders go, I'm going to look it over one more time before finalizing the deal.

So the crank is incorrect?

Click to expand...

Yes, crank and chain ring are not original to that frame.

 

Drummerboy

Look Ma, No Hands!

• Jan 28, 2015

• #10

Here's the deal. I'm trading this1969 Stingray that I rat rodded for the Hawthorn. Good deal or no?