1920s-1930s Hercules

[John D. Williams]

It's a New Departure Model D, which is a giveaway that it is not an original wheel (I think). I was told the bike is late '20s, maybe early '30s, and that it might be a model for American import. The closest I can find, with the one speed and oversize fenders, is from a 1939-40 catalog online-- the model is called Oversize Tyre Model QO. The catalog picture is on Flickr at the address--

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15297401@N03/

John

 

[John D. Williams]

It has a New Departure Model D rear hub, which seems newer than the bike itself. But I'm not really sure.

 

[John D. Williams]

Please comment on my Flickr page for any further info for this Hercules. Thanks, John

 

[ozzmonaut]

I don't have flickr. But I just want to add that I had a very similar Phillips. Same era, similar sprocket, just said phillips instead of hercules. Mine has the SA 3spd, but had pull-rod brakes. And mine had the 1/2" pitch sprockets as well. I was in Richmond at the time, and I took it to the owner of (now shut down I believe) Boneshaker Bicycles who guaranteed me that it was late 20's to very early 30's.

 

[hotrod62]

here's a link to ebay were theirs somes old magazines with lots of pictures of some hercules bikes that look a lot like yours
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Vintage-cycli...299?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6f85453