Essential Civilian Use cycles

[mickeyc]

On another site here, piercer_99 posted about having to have government permission to purchase a bike during the war (W.W. 2). This involved the War Production Board and you did indeed have to have a document from them to purchase a new bike AND a motorcycle. I had a 1944 Indian Chief that was one of these motorcycles. Attached are photos of the motorcycle and photos of a copy of the brochure for the motorcycle. You can read the requirements for purchase. The same would be for a bicycle. You can see in the photos of the motorcycle the lack of skirted fenders, an Indian trademark. This done to save metal. I sold this bike several years ago in New Mexico.

 

[Euphman06]

Here's my old bike, had the original war time paperwork still with it after all these years.

Sold - Colson 1940's Circa Snaptank 26" Balloon Tire Bicycle With Original Documents | Archive (sold or withdrawn)

Colson 1940's Circa Snap tank 26" Balloon Tire Bicycle With Original Documents... Bikes overall condition is fair with Scratches / Blemishes... Missing it's light bezel as well as Saddle having edge... Asking $950.00 Plus $75 Shipping Location Philadelphia

thecabe.com