Trying to Identify a Barn Find...

Robinsons003

On Training Wheels

• Aug 1, 2015

• #1

Trying to identify an old 1920s(?) bike I found in an old barn. Only writing on the frame reads "roadster model". It appears to look a bit like a BSA or Rudge-Whitworth bike, but there are some differences that make think otherwise. Bike seat is Brooks and reads Champion B15 Standard - Made in Great Britton. No other manufacturer's labels. Serial # is 112041. Any guidance is appreciated.

Aloha,
J.R.

 

filmonger

Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe

In Memoriam

• Aug 1, 2015

• #2

Picture of head tube and fork crown please

 

Last edited: Aug 1, 2015

supper15fiets

Wore out three sets of tires already!

• Aug 1, 2015

• #3

https://rudgewhitworth.wordpress.com

Maby this help

 

Robinsons003

On Training Wheels

• Aug 1, 2015

• #4

More pics of my barn find bike...

filmonger said:

Picture of head tube and fork crown please

Click to expand...

Sorry - Not sure what a "head tube" is. Here is a pick of the main fork and of the rear mud guard.

-JR

 

mre straightbar

I live for the CABE

• Aug 1, 2015

• #5

Spaulding

 

filmonger

Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe

In Memoriam

• Aug 3, 2015

• #6

I think it is a Elswick... Late 20's early 30ish

Here are some photo's of one.

 

Last edited: Aug 3, 2015

Robinsons003

On Training Wheels

• Aug 4, 2015

• #7

Elswick...

filmonger said:

I think it is a Elswick... Late 20's early 30ish

Here are some photo's of one.

View attachment 229213

View attachment 229215

View attachment 229217

View attachment 229219

Click to expand...

Thank you so much! It certainly does seem to match the images you provided. Front sprocket seems to be a dead ringer. I appreciate your time and effort.

 

Robinsons003

On Training Wheels

• Aug 5, 2015

• #8

With a bit more sleuthing, I have been able to find strong evidence that the bike is indeed an Elswick. Speicifically, it appears to be a 1937 bike that was made for export to the U.S. A fellow in the U.K. was able to help me date the bike using the frame number - U20141, and provided me with photo and link to a 1937 Elswick catalog. The following links may be useful to other readers -

http://veterancycleclublibrary.org.uk/

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/frame-number-bicycle-dating-guide/

Does anyone have any sense if this bike, in the condition it is in, may be collectible?

thank you!
-JR

 

Gasbag

Finally riding a big boys bike

• Aug 5, 2015

• #9

Yes, old British bikes are collectible. In it's condition, it can still be cleaned up and preserved. If you're planning to sell, shoot me a PM because I'd be interested in it.