The price difference for straps in todays manufacturing vs. in the 40s is very different. I would assume, the main cost of a strap then was manufacturing of the Strap and not the cost of metal. In todays market, the main cost would be the metal. Im thinking the strap that is on the bike would be cheaper than a stamped/machined strap back then. Also, Boren bought partial assembeld bikes, did the final assembly and called it their own. I could be way wrong, just a theory. If only these bikes could talk.