Colson serial number suffix and letter stamp under badge meaning

[tjkajecj]

Does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts about the letter suffixes following some Colson serial numbers?

This is besides the month/year code and the GY and FS stamps for bikes manufactured for Goodyear and Firestone.

Are they a vendor codes, a maker mark or what?

I have seen serial numbers of 1937 to 1938 bikes with “P”, “R”, and “S” following the serial number. "R" and "S" under the badge.

In the example below (a 1937 LWB) a “P” suffix following the serial number and an “S” behind the badge. It is badged a Simmons Hardware that I believe is original to the bike.

 

[srfndoc]

From what I've learned (Thanks @fordmike65 and others ) 36/37 serial numbers are different than years before and after. This serial looks to be more in the 36 range but maybe the frame was left over and used in 37. Are there extra welds on the bottom of the chainstays where they connect to the bottom bracket?

As for the G7 or the S, not sure. Maybe specific to non-Colson sold bikes (ie, hardware stores) or other vendors.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Maybe an “S” for E.C. Simmons hardware; or is it an “8”?

 

[tjkajecj]

Maybe an “S” for E.C. Simmons hardware; or is it an “8”?

Definitely an "S", sort of what I thought also.