A very sad sight

[williebill]

Moving stuff around my bike shop after 50 years in the same spot. Remembering and finding a few treasures along the way. This isn't one. Cobwebs are original, and it's been on top of a big rack in the back of the shop for over 30 years, since I saved it from going to the dump. Hoping one of the experts on here can tell me about it. Aluminum frame, broken in 2 pieces, Elgin head badge, elegant stem, IMHO. So who made the frame, and how old is this relic? If it was a car, I'd expect it to be called yard art, but... Sad. Any ideas?

 

[Dave Stromberger]

1935 Elgin Gull. Wow, a rare bike! Worth fixing, if someone has the skills.

1935 Elgin Gull | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

Here is a rare bird. Original untouched since forever.

thecabe.com

 

[cyclingday]

Definitely a rare bike, for reasons on display here.
They didn’t stand the test of time under regular use, so now, they are seldom seen.
Complete survivor examples are best relegated to wall hanger conversation pieces.
Any attempt to repair this one is somewhat pointless.
I would leave it as is.
It’s story is in its originality.
For better or worse.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

That's aluminum corrosion (think rust like on steel). It's on both the outside and the inside of the tubes. It all has to be cleaned off in order to get a good clean TIG weld. If you can get it stuck back together, it's going to look patched up because of the cleaning, and still not be rideable.

It's a cool wall hanger, enjoy it for the cool factor.

John

 

[williebill]

Thanks for everyone's help. And thank you for the links! Lots to think about. Thanks, Bill

 

[stezell]

If you decided to get it repaired Aaron @ratrodz might be your guy. He's the Silver King "King"!

V/r
Sean

 

[39Rocket]

Wow I definitely need the Gull in my flock of rare Elgin “bird” bikes! I sent a PM

 

[williebill]

Serial number is N121977. I'll post more pics of the joints, broken areas, etc. later today when I get a minute. Thanks, Bill

 

[williebill]

Here's a few more. This is for sale, but I'd like to figure out what it's worth in that condition.
Thanks for your input, Bill

 

[rockabillyjay]

Very cool bike..I’d love to have a go at saving it! Here’s the last one that sold: