Help IDing an original JC Higgins

[Rivnut]

I visited a friend today and he showed this bike to me. I thought that I could ID it when I got home but the stamped numbers don't quite match what I've found on the Murray Serial number project. It was in a barn so the lighting wasn't the greatest. I took some flash pictures and those are what I'm posting. I did note in the poor light that the front fender is missing the light and the rear fenders have the correct holes for a skirt guard. I can't tell if it had a tank at one time. What is really throwing me off is the chain guard style. It has an air cooled rear hub w/ JC Higgins brake arm, skip tooth sprockets but missing the chain. The most impressive thing to me was the seat. Perfect - supple and springy. It still has the original Allstate tires on it. So any help IDing this bike and an opinion on value would be appreciated.

On the BB:
MOS-L
MOD 502 218
serial number

Thanks in advance, Ed

 

[GTs58]

Mark indicates 47-48 on this MOS-L piece.

Need help on the year of this Jc Higgins! | Classic Balloon Tire Bicycles 1933-1965

Recently found and aquired from the original owners family. It looks like a Murray built jc Higgins 4 star deluxe. I'd like to find out the year. And it came with a headlight, I don't not see any holes for one on the fender. Thanxs for any help!

thecabe.com

 

[Superman1984]

Pretty neat / unique lookin' kickstand, chain guard & rack

Those 3 parts not to mention the hubs & nice condition chrome bits etc; I'm sure would easily sell as parts. $100-$250+ & shipping wouldn't be unheard of around here.

If I had any dinero I'd be all over it; TRM tank & soft clean, wax, & grease job would make a Niiice Rider

 

[GTs58]

1948........No bicycles in the 1947 catalog.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Post-200, page-20, on the Murray serial numbers thread shows a 1947-L; similar to Westfield in those years, (both for Sears?).
When a serial numbering system is documented and well understood, I usually just go with the stamp.
Thanks for posting, now I better understand the era of the 2-slot rear rack luggage carrier.

 

[Boris]