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Hi All, I'm currently compiling some new information on G519 production. It was a surprise to learn that Westfield Columbia G519 MF and MG serialed bikes were supplied on Defense Aid (Lend-Lease) contracts to UK/India. I am still looking in to this, does anyone have any details? Previously...

Hi All, Did anyone we know buy this one last week? It was for sale through International Military Antiques. I can't paste across the pictures from the site, since I only have a mobile phone where I am at the moment. But I can say that H117493 is now the earliest known survivor from the...

Hi All, @cyclingday recently posted the photo below in the "Thread Of Original Old Bicycle Photos Only -- No Discussion Please!" section. I contacted him for forther details so that it could be copied over here, and he kindly found the source again, and sent the image of the rear of the photo...

Hi All, I've just come across a reinforced frame Westfield Compax on Craigslist at a good price. I cannot go for it, so I'm putting it here if anyone is interested? (I have no connection with the seller, etc.) It appears to be an early 1945 example (though the frame number is a bit obscure)...

Hi All, I am always interested in WW1 and WW2 Allied uniforms, helmets and equipment, as well as WW2 German helmets (I've never owned one, so maybe I'll get lucky here). Thanks for your consideration. Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, This original article from from a very old copy of the UK's Military Vehicle Conservation Group (now the Military Vehicle Trust) magazine was recently republished on another site. The original source for the information, and the author are unknown. I have reorganised the listings...

Hi All, Al Berger, @Frank Rizzo appears to have closed his site to further internet sales. http://www.bergerwerke.com/ Al was very helpful when I was restoring my first Columbia G519. I hope he is well, and wish him the best for the future. He had original parts from time to time (Wheel...

Hi All, In the same way we have a NOS G519 Parts Library, I propose a BSA Parabike NOS Parts Library. I really don't think it'll be very big!* Best Regards, Adrian *Prove me wrong....

Hi All, @Goldenindian recently put up this article about the Vitalic tires used on the first contract Columbia 'Military Model' bicycles. On 29th October 1917 the Westfield Manufacturing Co. was advised that it had been officially awarded the first contract for10,000 'Military Model'...

Hi All, I see there was a WW1 Columbia 'Military Model' being sold in Gettysburg, PA, USA last week. Did anyone buy this, or have an idea of the final price? Or any other information on the origin? This one has the serial number USA5158, (with the U inverted) which is a new one to me. The head...

Hi All, Near where I was born in the UK is a village called Meriden. on the green there is The National Cyclist's War Memorial. I've known it all my life, but it suddenly occurred to me that I'd not seen it here. So, for you delectation: Photo Credits: Rachael Marsay Meriden is the...

Hi All, Researching other things at the UK Imperial War Musem, I've come across some new photos of bicycles in use by the USAAF in England during WW2. So far, no G519... I will put some of them in this thread from time to time. This photo is captioned on the back: Alexander 'Cal' Sloan...

Hi All, Doing some research on Diamond Chain during WW2, I came across this excellent write up on their history, and many of the items they were involved with during WW2. Strangely, the G519 doesn't get a mention.... http://ww.w.usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/diamondchain.htm Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, Pathé news reel from 1946 of the 100th anniversary of the direct pedal driven bicycle by Kirkpatrick MacMillan of Dumfreeshire, Scotland. Interesting that his 'youngest descendent' got an 'up to date Parabike'! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkpatrick_Macmillan Best Regards...

Link to page discussing the auction of MG95138. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/g519.216819/#post-1489162

Hi All, Due to a recent purchase of a First Pattern BSA Parabike, I'm looking for the correct BSA marked lamp bracket for it. Other BSA parabike parts are always welcome (-: Thanks, Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, To go alongside the register I'm compiling of First Pattern BSA Paratrooper bikes here: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/first-pattern-bsa-paratrooper-bicycle-register.216089/ I am compiling a list of Second type BSA's in existance, to try to expand the knowledge base on them. Other...

Hi All, The recent discussion about the number of First Pattern BSA Paratrooper bikes made has shown how little knowledge of the Fisrt and Second type BSA exist. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/worth-of-original-pattern-one-folding-bicycle.212751/ Other than the Serial Number list compiled...

Hi All, A friend here in France recently came across a couple of rusty wrecks in a field. One of them has the headbadge (just!) of 'Maryland' so could be American in origin. This looks a bit like the 'Cleveland' badges I've seen, but perhaps it's something different. Anyway, he'd like to know...

Hi All, Recently there were some New Old Stock (NOS) G519 Columbia forks sold on Ebay. This got me to thinking about the other NOS G519 parts which turn up from time to time. The handlebars are still fairly common. Wheel rims where available when I first started collecting, but seem to have...

Hi All, This recent film on Youtube peaked my interest when it mentioned that Schwinn had been involved in producing WW2 Drones. They were responible for the design and construction of the fuselage framework. This has been discussed to some extent in the Schwinn forum here...

Hi All, It's been a bit quiet on this forum recently, so I thought I'd try a slightly different topic. We've seen that both Westfield and Huffman made other items for the War effort in addition to bicycles, as listed below. I saw this photo today. This New Departure armour plate is part...

Hi All, doing some research on these, and came across this advertisment, in case anyone is interested. Despite the dates given, the reinforced frameand chainwheel type says it should be between 1943 and early 1945. I suspect early 1945. Obviously repainted. No conection with the seller. Let...

Hi All, Researching WW1 Dayton bicycles, I came across this. I've searched this section, and it doesn't seem to have been mentioned before. Also, I'm fairly certain it's not the same 'Dayton', since this is a person, and I understand that The Davis Sewing Machine company made their first...

Hi All, I have a 'slow burner' BSA Parabike restoration on course. A major, though small, missing part is one of the wing nut assemblies to keep the frame locked open. Picture Credit Velo Solo I require the wingnut, washer and threaded shaft (the nut has a tendancy to seize on the washer...

Dear All, For my WW1 Columbia "Military Model" I am looking for a Star toe clip like the one below, or a pair. As ever, although I'm in France, if you don't want to ship there, I have US friends who can recieve it and will help pass the the parcel. Photos: New Mexico Brant Photos...

Hi All, @305Sal recently asked the date of his Westfield produced Elgin on this thread: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/can-early-elgin-be-dated-by-serial-number.12240/ (Photos by 305Sal) M117081 A11 is a Westfield frame made in November 1934, and built up into a bicycle before the end of...

Hi All. @Sven (Thanks) posted this photo in the 'Original old photo's thread. Since no discussion is allowed there, and you may not have seen it (and by putting it here it's referencable / searchable)...

Dear All, I'm looking for a Morrow made Eclipse front hub, the type with a knockout axle, 36 spoke. I will consider 10, 11 and 12 gauge spokes (I know the 10 is rare). Please note: I am in France, but can provide references from CABE members for items already successfully shipped. Thanks for...

Hi All, I recently acquired a put-together G519 Persons bicycle saddle. I knew the springs were good New Old Stock military, but unfortunately I was not so lucky with the rest of it, which was a mix of non fitting or junk parts. I'm OK with that, but I now need to find the missing parts, or a...

Hi All, Here's a couple of photos of the USMCWR at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina, in 1944. They are using what appear to be standard Victory bicycles, probably 1942-43 production Huffmans or Columbias, with the distinctive unblacked out bar stem, but no frame...

Hi All, Another model of G519 to collect (-: Detail from Getty Image: https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/american-servicemen-on-a-five-seater-cycle-news-photo/3432934?adppopup=true Photo taken on 19th May 1944, the five servicemen are from the US Army Service Corps. They seem to...

Hi All, A nice piece of film showing a cycling display in 1899. There's the occasional bicycle scattered through the other clips too. Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, Whilst I was researching the specification for the Columbia 'Military Model', (here) https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/columbia-military-model-specifications.169361/ one of the items I tried to find out more about was the straps for the luggage carrier. These are mentioned as 'web...

Hi All, For those interested who didn't see the conversation, another 1943 Huffman Dayton G519 frame just turned up on CABE. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/dayton-bicycle.180109/ Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, I'm trying to identify and date the frame of a WW2 'G519 Tribute' bike. There are some detail pictures below, please ignore any Columbia details, it's the frame I'm interested in knowing about The previous owner said it was a 1939 CWC. Could anyone confirm or correct this? The serial...

Hi All, Should you survive Covid 19 (I wish all here the best for that), and you decide to travel again to dear old Blighty, here's a different way to wile the time in London... No connection, etc, etc. Best Regards, Adrian

Hi All, I've been working on some of the details of the Columbia 'Military Model' for a while now. Below is a table for discussion (I'm sure I've made errors, or others here have better information) on the specification of the 'Military Model'. I'm happy to consider any changes that you...

Hi All, Under the heading of 'things to do whilst locked down', perhaps a virtual visit to the National Bicycle Museum, Netherlands? https://velorama.nl/ I'm hoping this link will work. Click on arrows to move between the three floors, click on videos to see a little more about some of the...

Hi All, I thought some of you may be interested in this site I came across detailing Belgian Bicycle license plates. Even if you can't read the language, the photos are self explanatory. http://plaque.free.fr/eur/b/b_v.html French tax plates turn up quite often. Does anyone know of other...

Hi All, @New Mexico Brant @mcdillis Brant is selling a fantastic Century Cycle Co. "Century" New York, Bicycle here: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1899-1901-century-cycle-co-century-new-york-bicycle.160731/ I became interested in the Barwest rear braking hub, and rather than crayon...

Hi All, The search continues for other parts for my 1917 Columbia 'Military Model'. I would like to find the correct pattern of carrier for it. I'm afraid I don't know the make (though it could be Standard / Persons'). If you can identify it, that would be helpful. I have seen several...

Hi All, I've just put a 'Wanted' up for some Standard N°4 rattrap pedals, as specified for the 1917-18 Columbia Military Model. What puzzles me a little is that the pedals that were on it when it arrived were not N°4's, but something else. These fit the original crank, so are Inch not Metric...

Hi All, I too am still looking for parts for my 1917 Westfield Columbia 'Military Model'. The latest unicorns are Standard (Persons) No. 4 Rat Trap pedals (and, optimistically, toe clips!) Above: as installed on on original bike. Below, the only recent images I have found of them (Credit...

Hi All, during a recent conversation Whitey1736 mentioned a recent sale of a G519 frame through EBAY, seller nostalgicdave. The frame is an early straightbar/coffin chainwheel, built Sept 1942...

Hi All, carrying on the research into WW1 'Military Model' bikes, I came across a useful article on page 14 of "Motorcycle and Bicycle Illustrated" of Jan 30th 1919. There it discusses the cancellation of war orders for military motorcycles and bicycles, as presented to the House of...

Hi All, doing some research on the WW1 Great Western Military Model, I came across this article on "Hindsight is 20-20 - The best time to buy a relic is when you see it! " by Harold Ratzburg, about Military items he'd regretted not buying, or regretted selling...

Hi All, I tried to buy a group of photos including these over the weekend, but was outbid. If you are the new owner, and want me to take these down, let me know. I waited a few days to see if they would be posted here. In the meantime, thank you for the use of them. It's not exactly an...

Hi All, I've been continuing my research into WW1 Military Model bicycles, which originally produced this good photo: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/ww1-columbia-military-model-poster-child.128408/ I have come up with more excellent portrait photos showing proposed modifications to the...

Hi All, See 3.43 (and the rest of the video, should you so choose) (-: With one of these, I'd be obliged to get a bike to put it on. Have a Good Week, Adrian