Hawthorne - What have I got(ten myself into)?

[Skip Montanaro]

A friend gave me a Hawthorne balloon tire bike. I'm guessing it's post-war, given the curved downtube:

The serial number seems to suggest it was made for Montgomery Ward (520w?

I won't bore you with more pictures (see the album for brake bridge, dropout and fork crown images). Can someone give me a hint about the specific manufacturer or timeframe it hails from? The bike is in as retrieved condition. Jerry repainted it, but the chrome needs (at least) a visit to the Evapo-Rust spa. I will work on that as time permits (all my previous vintage bike experience falls into the Classic Rendezvous niche).

 

[Archie Sturmer]

52CW may hint toward 1952 Cleveland Welding Company (CWC) built. It may be what some refer to as tall tank model or straight bar (with a straight truss tube). The refurbishment looks neatly done. The chain ring also looks MW Hawthorne. Does not appear to be missing any parts or accessories; does it also have the head badge to match the chain guard?

 

[Shawn Michael]

You have a great friend, giving you such a cool bike.

 

[Freqman1]

1952 Cleveland Welding Co built. Other than seat and headlight it looks complete. V/r Shawn

 

[Skip Montanaro]

@Archie Sturmer Thanks, was reading that as "520w", but I see what you mean about it being "52CW". Here's the head badge. It's hiding behind the headlight, so doesn't show up well.

@Shawn Michael Yeah, Jerry's a good guy.

 

[Harley Mclemore]

looks like the Hawthorne version of a Western Flyer super.


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[morton]

You've gotton yourself into a very nice ride!