Walter sent me these photos of his new acquisition and asked me to post them here for comment.
The story that came with the bike is from the son of the original owner. He says that the bike is original and was a special order. His father used it for years and delivered papers with it. It is badged Elgin, has the 12 rubberized mounting pads and carries a 1942 tag.
My first thoughts are that it appears to be an early Robin with a replacement fork, and an Airider/Blackhawk type tank. Elgins generally used Troxel saddles so the saddle, while not being typical, could be original.
It is possible that the above is true and the owners son is mistaken as to the originality of the bike. It is also possible that the story is true and that the bike is original.
I imagine it was hard to special order an Elgin but if the original owners family had connections to Sears, Westfield, or were very persistent at the Sears order desk it is certainly possible that the bike might have been a specially ordered or is a design prototype or a model variant that was not widely distributed.
The one piece I noticed that falls outside the Westfield envelope is the sprocket, but that may be a later replacement.
The Airider/Blackhawk type tank was used on several models, some with double top tubes and others with single top tubes. The mounting hole location and number varies for these different applications and may be helpful substantiating the originality of the fitment.
The serial number will also be useful for placing the bike in the Elgin continuum.
Altogether an interesting find.
Anyone else have thoughts?
Phil