Need Help To Identity

[DuncanM]

Recently acquired this unknown bike, and looking for any and all information I can get on it.
Can’t find a serial number, no badge, but has two holes on either side on the middle of the head tube, and has a clamp under the bottom bracket. Wood bars has one end cap that says “Made in Plymouth IND USA”. Front wheel looks like a 27”schwinn wheel, and rear replaced with a smaller wheel with a Perry hub.
Thanks!

 

[Archie Sturmer]

I believe that somewhere there was a list of several ToC manufacturers of bicycles and bicycle sundries in Indiana; maybe one of them was from Plymouth, but for bicycles, wooden bars, or grips?
Marble Cycle Manufacturing Co.?

 

[Craig Allen]

There was a Plymouth Cycle Co., in Plymouth, Indiana listed in 1896. Not saying this is it because I don't know, but there were plenty of small time bike builders that used component parts from larger manufacturers.

 

[locomotion]

lots of wood fenders, wood chainguards, wood rims and wood handlebars where made in Plymouth, Indiana

 

[Craig Allen]

DuncanM,
I know it's a long shot, but it would be worth it to contact the Marshall County Historical Society in Plymouth, Indiana and see if they have any information, advertising, or a gold strike like a Plymouth Cycle Co. catalog that can be copied. This bike looks like a fun project to restore.

 

[Blue Streak]

Smalley Bicycles were made in Plymouth IN from February 16, 1892 until at least 1896. 1892-1894 the company was called Marble Cycle Mfg. Company. Late in 1894 the name changed to Plymouth Cycle Mfg. Company. From what images I have found of Smalley's, yours does not appear to be one as crankset/sprocket and fork head are different. Front sprocket looks similar 1895-96 Columbia, but nothing else does.

At the same time Smalley's were being made in Plymouth there was a company called Indiana Novelty Mfg. Company that made wood rims, chainguards and handlebars and sold the parts to many bicycle manufacturers. July 1896 the owners of Plymouth Cycle Mfg. Company had some ownership of Indiana Novelty and bought all remaining ownership stock of the Indiana Novelty Mfg. Company. I am guessing your handlebars were made by Indiana Novelty. Not sure about make of the bicycle. Will do some more research on this company.

Smalley Bicycle References:
August 27, 1892 - The South Bend Tribune:

September 14, 1894 - The McFall Mirror (McFall Missouri)

December 21, 1894 - Marshall County Independent (Plymouth IN)

December 6, 1895 - The Wheel:

Indiana Novelty Mfg. Company:
January 24, 1896 - The Wheel:

July 2, 1896 - The Argos Reflector (Argos IN)

 

[Blue Streak]

Indiana Novelty Manufacturing Company ad from May 7, 1897 issue of The Wheel showing their new Handle-Bar Clamp which looks like the one on DuncanM's bicycle.