1951 Schwinn World?

[Sportyworty]

No date AW seems to line up with @SirMike1983 comments here.
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/sturmey-archer.160364/

Unfortunately the detail on Patent vs Patent issue was not determined in the thread. Can I assume the hub is either original or correct issue?

 

[SirMike1983]

Interesting that it has the later style imprint with "Patent" on it rather than "Patent Applied For".

Early AW hubs should have a one-digit date code hand-stamped (sometimes it is very faint) near the model designation. Hubs from 1939 and 40 should have a single-digit date code with "Patent Applied For" on the shell. At some point in 1940, the date codes stopped being stamped with the loss of labor and time to the war effort.

The harder question is exactly when they went from "Patent Applied For" to "Patent" on the shells. No-date hubs start at some point in 1940 and run through early 1947. The Patent in question on the hub shell was applied for in spring 1939. The patent published in late 1940. Then there would be lead time for tooling and making the shells with the "Patent" imprint, and reduced priority due to war production on these things.

Most "Patent" no-date hubs appear on bikes from the period of 1945-47. My 1947 Continental has an AW with the same imprint. My 1947 Raleigh also has the same imprint on the AW. However, an earlier hub cannot be ruled out because of the no-date code situation. In your case, it is worth looking closely at the rims and the front hub as well. Immediate pre-war and immediate post-war wheelsets often look very similar. Sometimes a single speed bike was converted to three speed later in life because it was being used as a courier or commuter and additional climbing power was needed. I'd say take a close look at the wheels and the frame and see if there is any indication of changes.

 

[Sportyworty]

I would be happy knocking it down to a single speed skip tooth with cotter crank set up for riding. I like the English 3 piece look.
That being said will look over the rims and if they appear to be original I will try to service the 3 speed and install a correct quadrant bar shifter.
Like you say Mike it may not be worth trying to get this one completely correct.
All fun things to consider and thank you all again !

 

[SirMike1983]

In November 2021, Veteran Cycle Club member Dave White gave his thought on this subject, and I think he's on the right track. His view is that the "Patent" with no date code started in 1941. Based on what I've found it was used through early 1947, when the imprint changed again and the new date stamping system began. This also fits in with the patent publication date near the end of 1940. I agree with Dave White - the latest hand-stamped date I've seen is 1940.

So I think it's fair to say that most of the hubs with that imprint were made from 1945-47 because post-war production was higher than war era production. Many three speed bikes (both English and American) have these no-date "Patent" hubs on them from the period of 1945-47. However, some hubs with that imprint appear to have been made as early as 1941, though they are fewer in number than post-war production.

 

[Oilit]

In November 2021, Veteran Cycle Club member Dave White indicate his thought on this subject, and I think he's on the right track. His view is that the "Patent" with no date code started in 1941. Based on what I've found it was used through early 1947, when the imprint changed again and the new date stamping system began.

View attachment 2165801

So I think it's fair to say that most of the hubs with that imprint were made from 1945-47 because post-war production was higher than war era production. Many three speed bikes (both English and American) have these no-date "Patent" hubs on them from the period of 1945-48. However, some hubs with that imprint appear to have been made as early as 1941, though they are fewer in number than post-war production.

Excellent information, thank you!

 

[GTs58]

In November 2021, Veteran Cycle Club member Dave White indicate his thought on this subject, and I think he's on the right track. His view is that the "Patent" with no date code started in 1941. Based on what I've found it was used through early 1947, when the imprint changed again and the new date stamping system began.

View attachment 2165801

So I think it's fair to say that most of the hubs with that imprint were made from 1945-47 because post-war production was higher than war era production. Many three speed bikes (both English and American) have these no-date "Patent" hubs on them from the period of 1945-48. However, some hubs with that imprint appear to have been made as early as 1941, though they are fewer in number than post-war production.

The first dated Hubs were dated in early 1947. Why would they still be using the patent hubs in 1948?

 

[Oilit]

The first dated Hubs were dated in early 1947. Why would they still be using the patent hubs in 1948?

I had to go check but you're right, when they started the new dating system it looks like they moved the "patent" stamp to the side and started listing the numbers, unless the early (1947) date stamps were different.

 

[SirMike1983]

Date typo for 1948 in the post - edited.

 

[Oilit]

@Sportyworty, here's a five speed Corvette with the same "LA" stamp that's on your bike (post #391), maybe a Los Angeles registration stamp.

Schwinn Corvette 5 Speed Registry | All Things Schwinn

Got this 5 speed right after Christmas... a '61 stamp, finished as a '62... needs some o.g. parts, and new paint.....

thecabe.com

 

[Sportyworty]

same same