Antique Block chain.

[Catman]

I’ve got a chain I’m trying to ID. It’s an incredible 83 links and I think an old block chain. Any ideas?

 

[Brian R.]

At that length, maybe it was from a tandem.

 

[rhenning]

Maybe it was from a piece of machinery. Similar chains used to be used on farm equipment. Roger

 

[Catman]

Thanks guys. i was hoping the NO. 21 would have tickled someones memory of knowledge.

 

[Catman]

View attachment 735762 View attachment 735764 View attachment 735765 View attachment 735766 I’ve got a chain I’m trying to i.d.. It’s an incredible 83 links and I think an old block chain. Any ideas?

 

[Catman]

Can anyone help with this hub ID?

 

[Bikermaniac]

Looks home made to me, but I could be wrong.

 

[mike cates]

View attachment 768019

Rear hub and sprocket from a 1891-1893 Columbia Light Roadster bicycle.
Mike Cates
(760) 473-6201
[email protected]

 

[mike cates]

Your stamped No. 21 block chain may not be 1" pitch and not compatible with most bicycle sprockets. Make sure you have 1" pitch by measuring from the front of one block to the front of the next block. It should be exactly 1". If it varies, even a 1/16", it will not work on most bicycle sprockets from the TOC period. Manufacturers were smart to make different pitch dimensions for their own manufactured bicycle so you had to buy their replacement chain. This odd pitch shows up once in a while from my 40+ years of supplying 1" pitch block chain so be sure on chain fit to your particular bicycle. I'd say 1" pitch was used by 99.9% of TOC bicycle makers but their is always those that slip through the cracks and are found today with the difficulty of finding chains to fit them.
Mike Cates, CA.