Either 1897 or 1898. 1897 Crescent No. 9 was middle grade $50.00 model as top of the line Crescents for 1897 were $75.00. Per 1897 catalog cuts below it had a different fork than yours. I think 1897 Crescents also have name badge centered on frame but yours is lower like 1898 and later. 1898 catalog does not show a Model 9 but 1898 fork looks more like yours. So not exactly sure which year but definitely 1897 or 1898. Would be interested to know what others think.
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From 1898 Crescent catalog describing I
mprovements for 1898 which show several details similar to your. No Model No. 9 offered in 1898 catalog.
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As for serial numbers this is my estimated number range for 1897 and 1898:
1897 248000-331000 (83,000 total production)
1898 331000-431000 (100,000 total production)
Thanks so much. Not sure where the serial number are on this bike. It does have the no9 lower on the headset