Books needed for paper on Ignaz Schwinn

[Cooper S.]

Hello all,
As I am finishing my college experience, I am going to be writing a capstone paper about Ignaz Schwinn for my German Studies minor. It'll be a paper about 20 pages in length and might aid a small portion of a local German cultural center's museum. Does anyone have any book recommendations about Ignaz Schwinn or early Schwinn history? Or any other primary sources for that matter? I would be interested in borrowing/purchasing a copy of "50 years of Schwinn built bicycles," and can meet in Chicago if needed.
Thanks,
Cooper.

 

[Olds442]

There a book. “No Hands , the rise and fall of the Schwinn bicycle company.“. Google that, there are a few for sale on Amozon. That’s the book you need

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Hello all,
As I am finishing my college experience, I am going to be writing a capstone paper about Ignaz Schwinn for my German Studies minor. It'll be a paper about 20 pages in length and might aid a small portion of a local German cultural center's museum. Does anyone have any book recommendations about Ignaz Schwinn or early Schwinn history? Or any other primary sources for that matter? I would be interested in borrowing/purchasing a copy of "50 years of Schwinn built bicycles," and can meet in Chicago if needed.
Thanks,
Cooper.

Cooper,
The 50 years of Schwinn book would be my first reference book advice. It was written in 1945, so it's about the actual Schwinn history that happened during Ignaz's time period. You really need to find a copy of the 50 year book, IMO. This book was written by the Schwinn Family to tell their version of how they built their respected brand.

The No Hands book was written about the entire history period we call Schwinn Chicago. It covers roughly 97 years or twice the period. Most of the No Hands book is about trying to answer the big questions about how a large brand like Schwinn would fail after 97 years. Ignaz had very little to do with what eventually happened to the company he started. I would advise you to read the No Hands book, but it's all secondhand information. The family did not contribute much directly to the No Hands book, it was a very difficult period for the family.

I have both books. I cannot let them out of my collection. If you are not able to scrounge up a copy of the 50 year book, please get back to me and we will work something out. My copy is "brand new, still in the original box" and "family signed", I would prefer to not bend it back, crack it all the way open to make photo copies.

I would like to support your class paper anyway I can.

John Palmer

 

[GTs58]

Here's possibly the best deal in town. A little tattered and I don't know what the missing 2 pages were about. Free shipping!

50 Years of Schwinn Built Bicycles 1895 to 1945 (1st Edition, Hardcover, 1945) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 50 Years of Schwinn Built Bicycles 1895 to 1945 (1st Edition, Hardcover, 1945) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Here's possibly the best deal in town. A little tattered and I don't know what the missing 2 pages were about. Free shipping!

50 Years of Schwinn Built Bicycles 1895 to 1945 (1st Edition, Hardcover, 1945) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 50 Years of Schwinn Built Bicycles 1895 to 1945 (1st Edition, Hardcover, 1945) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Thats a smoking deal, GTs58! Good eye.

Cooper, here's my deal. You buy the book on Ebay, tell me the page number of any missing or damaged page, and I will copy and send you any pages you need to complete your reference book, at no cost to you.

Just consider it a small "pay it forward" from an old Schwinn guy. Someone here on the CABE, has already "paid it forward to me", so I owe someone something in return.

John

 

[Freqman1]

The 50 Years book is more of a tribute by Frank W. to his father. The “No Hands” book only offers a rehash of the early history. I’m sure you require more than one source for your paper and finding enough to get 20 pages just on Ignaz will be tough. A paper that deals with the founding of the company would be a better approach in my opinion. Adolph Arnold who bankrolled the founding was also a German immigrant so this may give you more material to work from. Good luck on your paper.

 

[100bikes]

You might reach out to Richard Schwinn at Waterford Cycles.
He may have some family archives to draw upon.
rusty

 

[koolbikes]

Arnold, Schwinn & Company

chicagology.com

Schwinn History with just one click.

 

[Cooper S.]

50 years and ride and fall are on their way now. Any other good sources will be appreciated. I might roll into talking about schwinn as an employer (of German-Americans because of the topic of the minor) and also maybe stuff about Adolph Arnold

 

[cyclingday]

This is actually the best book that’s been done on Ignaz Schwinn.
It was originally only released in German text, but it has recently been translated in English.

It’s primary focus is on the manufacture of their Motorcycles, but no discussion of Arnold, Schwinn & Company would be complete without a comprehensive discussion of their bicycle business.