Sold 1952 Schwinn Hornet girls bike, all original parts

[peekywee]

Fun vintage restoration project!

Really cool retro all original 1952 Schwinn Hornet girls bike...
Original owners…Belonged to my mom as a child and is in really good condition for having been stored in a basement for 60-70 years. I have only washed the dirt off, as I don’t want to ruin the original patina.

Serial number A85745 suggests it was manufactured prior to 1952 (1952 started with A875…see chart), but my mom is pictured with her new bike by the tree on Christmas 1952. (see pic)

Complete with Schwinn head badge, original paint, fenders, chain guard, handlebars with Schwinn handgrips, pedals, Cadet speedometer (lens is clouded), Gas tank with button (pushes but nothing happens).

Chain turns freely and the original tires have held air for months. (Writing on tires: 24 X 2.125, Goodyear All Weather, Airwheel G-3, Made in USA). Missing the light from front fender (already gone in the 2nd pic of my mom in 1957). Has original Alameda, California bicycle license which expired Dec. 31, 1959.

Restore this beauty for fun or profit! Asking $325. Thank you for looking and if you have any questions or would like more pictures, please feel free to ask.

 

[ridingtoy]

Love the photo history of the bicycle. Looks like your mom had some growing into the bicycle to do when she first received it. I'd have a hard time parting with a bike that had been in the family for so long, but I'm just too sentimental I guess...

Dave

 

[GTs58]

Just a note. That serial number was used again in 1953. 09/10 to 09/18/1953 ------ A71783 ----- A94366.

The list has it in December of 1951 and supposedly it was stamped under the crank. But there is good chance that it could have been stamped on the drop out. That would make the bike almost a year old by Christmas 1952.

Great photos!

 

[peekywee]

Thank you for your input. I checked under the crank and there was no stamp.
Makes sense that it was manufactured in Dec 1951. Probably reached the bike shop the summer of '52 and sold at Christmas.

 

[peekywee]

Love the photo history of the bicycle. Looks like your mom had some growing into the bicycle to do when she first received it. I'd have a hard time parting with a bike that had been in the family for so long, but I'm just too sentimental I guess...

Dave

Thank you! Good observation. Turns out it was bought for my Aunt that year. My Mom wanted a picture on the big girl bike but actually received a small starter Huffy that year and then got it as a hand-me-down later.
It is hard to part with but I would love to see it go to someone who will love it and use it. I sold my Grandfather's bike (also received that year) to a CABEr and it was so cool to see him fix it up and ride it again.
Kim

 

[49autocycledeluxe]

Thank you! Good observation. Turns out it was bought for my Aunt that year. My Mom wanted a picture on the big girl bike but actually received a small starter Huffy that year and then got it as a hand-me-down later.
It is hard to part with but I would love to see it go to someone who will love it and use it. I sold my Grandfather's bike (also received that year) to a CABEr and it was so cool to see him fix it up and ride it again.
Kim

your grandfathers bike has the bicycle license 1 number off from your Mom's bike. they have the same bell as well.

 

[peekywee]

your grandfathers bike has the bicycle license 1 number off from your Mom's bike. they have the same bell as well.

Ha! Hi Mike That's too cool! Back in the day i
n Alameda we had to go down to the Fire station and pay a fee for the license. Couldn't get one without a bell. We were too cool and took the bell off as soon as we got home
Happy Trails, Kim