Help identifying the year and possibly the model

[HerrOtto]

Hello, I have what I believe is a 1946 Schwinn Continental but it doesn't exactly what I have seen on the internet for that model or year. It appears to be the original paint and decals and pin striping. It is a external 3 speed hub with a derailleur. Any help is appreciated.

 

[GTs58]

That is a very early example of the 1946 continental. Looks like the letter prefix on the serial number it’s supposed to be an A. The later issue continentals with the big decorative decals are 1947 models With a possibly early release sometime in 1946. @rennfaron actually has a 1946 sales brochure.

 

[HerrOtto]

Thank you GTs58. One of my problems identifying the bike as an early Continental is the pictures I have seen online, the Continentals had Chrome fenders, chrome on the chain guard and a different chain ring. Thanks again

 

[Oilit]

Interesting derailleur set-up, looks period to the bike.

 

[HerrOtto]

GTs58, I was thinking the first position in the serial number could also be a "K". Was it the serial number that drew you to the conclusion it was an early 1946?

 

[Oilit]

Here's a thread on another early one. The first ones had the painted fenders like yours, and they don't turn up nearly as often as the 2nd generation bikes:

Old continental survivor | All Things Schwinn

Grabbed this bike over the summer from local craigslist. 1st year continental I believe.

thecabe.com

 

[juvela]

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the machine's gear ensemble is a product of the firm Etablissements F. Charvin

it is a model which launched in 1942 (new cycle products being released during the occupation!)

Charvin derailleurs

Établissements F. Charvin was owned by Francis Charvin and was based in St-Étienne. ...

www.disraeligears.co.uk

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[SirMike1983]

Thank you GTs58. One of my problems identifying the bike as an early Continental is the pictures I have seen online, the Continentals had Chrome fenders, chrome on the chain guard and a different chain ring. Thanks again

Otto - yours is an earlier Continental than the more decorated ones you are referencing. There was a brief period when the Continental came out when it had New World style paint and parts. It was not a long period. The more familiar one with the big graphics and stainless, low-profile fenders came after that and are more common. You have a very nice and unusual lightweight Schwinn.

 

[HerrOtto]

Great information everyone, keep it coming. Thank you

 

[Oilit]

Otto - yours is an earlier Continental than the more decorated ones you are referencing. There was a brief period when the Continental came out when it had New World style paint and parts. It was not a long period. The more familiar one with the big graphics and stainless, low-profile fenders came after that and are more common. You have a very nice and unusual lightweight Schwinn.

Notice the "Schwinn" decal on the downtube looks like the decal on your New World. That must have been a short-lived decal. 1941, 1946?