Shawn - I have found using period stolen references to begin piecing together rough production numbers a good place to start. I have been able to build a pretty accurate list of Tribune serial numbers and yearly production using this method. Most stolen references do not list a model year but the ones that do help lock in serial numbers that do not list the year. I also try to narrow down years by the date they are stolen or missing meaning one stolen in early to mid year 1896 would not be 1897 or later model. Comparing this type of information with actual existing bicycles will help validate the production volume and model year. I found references for Schwinn product volume for 1897 and 1898. Will post those soon. I think 1897 production was projected to be 15,000 bicycles. Jeff
Here are two more Schwinn references:
From June 30, 1897 issue of the
Nevada State Journal (Reno)
View attachment 1339232
From September 25, 1897 issue of the
Omaha Daily Bee
View attachment 1339233