Hello fellow bike enthusiast. New member here. I know there's been a few post on Shapleigh's bicycles but I did not want to tag on the end. Just purchased this Shapleigh's Special bike and many thanks to prior posters who educated me on this cycle before I bought. The seller said it was a 1949 and proved it with the label on the rear rim spokes. That's cool but it is not proof. The serial number on the left rear drop out is RG656225 and from that I am guessing more around the 1960's. Anyway, it is a neat bike and after greasing all the bearings and chain it rides as good as any beach cruiser. I am going to leave it as is showing off the originality and patina, aka rust.
BTW, I have the original seat but is in desperate need of recovering.