DoND: ca. 1920 Miami (Flying Merkel?) motobike project

[lgrinnings]

Deal or No Deal.

Presented here for auction is a circa 1920 Miami (possibly Flying Merkel) motobike project. While I understand that this bicycle represents a pretty uncommon opportunity, I'm not sure if I want to tackle this project myself. As such, I'm floating it up via DoND to see where it goes. What I know...

1. This bike is genuinely Miami
2. This frame originally possessed a bottlecap badge
3. This frame features an offset bottom bracket for a center drive crank

In Shawn's article, The Flying Merkel Bicycle: An Evolving Study, he points out that, "For a Miami frame with a bottle cap hole and no badge it is not possible to positively identify it as a Merkel unless it has the center drive crank." Again, I'm not making the claim that this bicycle is a Flying Merkel, but it certainly checks many of the boxes.

I've assumed the front fender is a replacement and the rear is original. The cranks and chainring aren't original and look possibly Excelsior. The bike is overpainted red with some rust coming through (the entirety of the bike is overpainted with the exception of the cranks and chainring which supports the premise that cranks and chainring are not original). There's a hole for a bottlecap badge. Serial number is 13344 with an H below.

As stated, this is a project and no steps have been taken to clean anything up (pic #2 shows dirt and cobwebs in the fork crown). If you've ever wanted to own one of these elusive and exclusive machines, here's your chance. Thank you for your interest and good luck.

Offer plus $85 shipping in the US. Payment via PayPal family and friends is preferred.

Please review pictures closely and message me with any questions.

-Lester

 

[oldmtrcyc]

$500

 

[lgrinnings]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Jim, but no deal. Thank you.

 

[barracuda]

$600

 

[lgrinnings]

$600

Getting closer, but no deal just yet. Thanks!

 

[Wilfredo]

It sold? Thanks

 

[lgrinnings]

It sold? Thanks

I withdrew it from deal or no deal, listed it in the for sale section and it sold.

 

[Wilfredo]

Thanks
Was looking for some like this, My 560 sec has a 28” miami, but never knew about it. I have a 1917-18 Evans motor and I need a frame, crank, fork and badge set. I have the rest. Exelcior or some Westfield frame stile. Don’t like autocycle.