Hello Miq and others,
This is some more information that I have relocated in my records. It may be of some interest to those that collect WWII Schwinn '' Victory'' lightweight bicycles and are wondering about their wartime production.
According to Amendment 2 of the War Production Boards ( WPB ) Limitation Order L-52 regarding wartime bicycle production, dated Sept., 2, 1942 only Huffman and Columbia could with limitations continue to produce and distribute bicycles for the duration. However, upon special appeal other bicycle manufacturers may be authorized under specific limitations to sell remaining stocks of already produced bikes and produce limited quantities of new bicycles for limited periods of time.
In a copy of a declassified document from my records, dated 1946 National Archives, I found the following regarding Schwinn bicycles. Schwinn produced 13,000 bicycles in late 1942, 10,000 cycle trucks in 1943 and 10,000 cycle trucks in 1944. In addition they were able to distribute remaining stock on hand as of Sept., 1, 1942. Apparently, Schwinn submitted a special appeal to continue bike sales, which evidently was granted for at least 1 order of 13,000 new bikes in late 1942, production of which may have stretched into 1943. As of this time I have found no further documentation that further orders were granted.
As of Sept., 23, 1944 the Office of Price Administration ( OPA ) announced an industry wide restoration of bicycle production with some limitations. So as of this date all bicycle manufacturers could, with some limitations, restart new bicycle production.
I trust that this information will be helpful to those interested in wartime civilian bicycles.
Regards,
Bill Strong
