Barnes #1901?

[sailorbenjamin]

I picked up a couple of bikes yesterday this one says it's a Barnes model 1901 but I don't think that's the year. Any one have any ideas?
The League of american Wheelmen says that this company made bikes from 1895 to 1898 but the wheels have a 1910 patent stamp on them.
Here's some more clues, 1 piece cranks with a cast iron chainring, New Departure coaster brake and a really old bike lock.

 

[redline1968]

the bike is close to the date of the rims. i would say in the teens. nice score..

mark

 

[sailorbenjamin]

Cool, thanks! So how can you tell? When did they start making 1 piece cranks? and is that a New Departure Model A? When did they stop making those?

 

[pelletman]

I'd say teens too. Metal fenders, coaster brake, springs on seat...

 

[sailorbenjamin]

Ok, thanks. Time to clean it up and see if the tires hold air.
B.

 

[circa1939]

Well my wife is now the proud owner of this Barnes. I'm looking for more info on the company and any ads of their bikes. Also looking for a chain gaurd that would fit this bike of the proper time period. THnaks

 

[OldRider]

Your bike likely never had a chainguard, too early a model for that

 

[Andrew Gorman]

Chainguards were pretty essential for ladies riding in a skirt, and were around almost as long as safeties. Earliest ones were a bent loop of wood but metal ones like this eBay auction were around by the mid 1890's-
http://cgi.ebay.com/EARLY-IVER-JOHN...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5886ef621a

 

[OldRider]

I stand corrected Andrew, thanks very much! What I was going by is my 1928 Ranger, there was no chainguard when it was purchased new. I assumed chain guards came after 1928!

 

[walter branche]

it looks like the seat and pedals have been updated ,, barnes is a fine machine ,, wife should be proud to own ,a bike that is built like an exotic car!!!