Help! Mead Crusader, and 1892/1893 Western Wheel Works hard tire bike.

[Drosentreter]

I was referring to the fork crown as presented in the various pictures.
The first that showed the crown from a distance, looks like the forged crown has a distinct shoulder almost angled. While some partial close-up views (badge?), look more like a broad arching or curved bend.
Kind of subtle differences, but could just be the lighting or angles.

Hope this helps. You’re right, it is hard to tell in the pics. Not a very quality shot, but it does show it better. This pic decided to focus on the background for some reason

 

[Drosentreter]

Welp. Here’s my predicament. The guy who owns them called Antique Archeology and asked them for an appraisal They put him in contact with a guy out in California that supposedly “appraises” bikes for a living. Well. He said they are both Mead cycle company(BS as we know because of earlier in this thread) he said the boys 24” is a girls safety bike(BS) appraised the Western Wheel works(girls safety) bike for 300-350 and the Mead Crusader for 100-1400. They appraiser is out of his mind and the seller knows nothing about bikes. It’s a little saddening but I’m not sure what to do. I really really want them, but I definitely can’t pay what it was appraised for. Antique archeology said they’d like to talk to him about buying them if I don’t. Here’s the kicker. He wanted 125(what I heard from someone else) before he changed his mind and wanted to learn more about them(understandable). Now he gets an appraisal by a guy who is out of his mind, and now told me to make an offer, and they’ll listen to any offers from me.(I want that appraiser to see my collection of various bikes. I’m a rich man!) anyways. Looking for advice on what to do. Thanks, Dane.

 

[chitown]

. Looking for advice on what to do

Get ready for the next hit?

 

[Drosentreter]

Well. Looking for advice once again, but not on the same note. I had a heart to heart with the guy. And he said his biggest concern was that he didn’t want them to be sold for profit. Well I don’t plan on selling them ever so it’s looking good for me. He said he just wants me to make an offer that I feel comfortable with and we’d go from there…. But now what do I do with the OG tires on the crusader… How do I make them plyable again and will they ever be rideable?

 

[Drosentreter]

Well… they made me an offer for 500 dollars for both. Should I take it? Are they worth it?

 

[RichH]

I'm still a new collector,but if you messaged me with that offered I would accept it,that junior bike is way cool

 

[MrMonark13]

Well… they made me an offer for 500 dollars for both. Should I take it? Are they worth it?

Take it!!!! Take in now!!!

 

[piercer_99]

Well… they made me an offer for 500 dollars for both. Should I take it? Are they worth it?

at the end of the day, is it worth it to you?

For me, yes they are worth it if I wanted them.

The Mead would be a blast with a modern wheelset, a fun daily rider.

 

[Drosentreter]

I’ve decided to get them thanks for all who assisted in the decision and information process

 

[Drosentreter]

Well… I picked them up last night. Hopefully more pictures to come today