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Highwheeler

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There should also be a 52 stamped on the outer side surface of the left front fork leg within a few inches down from the fork crown below the brazed connection of the hollow fork leg to the solid steel steering crown and head.
Expert and Light Roadster model Columbias (and their other models) were stamped with the front wheel diameter size like this on the side of the left front fork leg up to and including 1886 (your bike). In 1887 -1892 they started stamping the wheel size on the top of the steering head above the opening where the handlebars mounted through. Some Columbias are stamped twice having a second wheel size stamping (in much smaller height numbering) located under the large hex nut that covers it at the top of the steering head adjustable steering spindle screw so you have to take off the large hex nut to reveal it.
Mike Cates, CA.
 
Hello Phattiremike,
Very nice expert Columbia. Just give it a basic cleaning to remove some of the scale and wax oil the bike. Those spokes are fine and won't rust away. New rubber (available), leather, grease and you're good to go. Preserve this bike - it's a nice original machine.
Glenn
 
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