Help! Newbie here :)

[Csmith333]

Hello!!! I’ve just come across a vintage Schwinn and am having a heck of a time identifying year. The serial number lookup says either a 55 or 57, yet I have a hunch it may be earlier. This beaut has a skip tooth chainring, bendix coaster brake, and an interesting chain protector. It has a BF Goodrich head badge. Serial is S44948. Any help appreciated!!!

 

[Freqman1]

Can we see a pic of the whole bike? With serial on bottom bracket it is '52 or earlier. V/r Shawn

 

[Csmith333]

I’ve been seeing a lot of things about pre and post war. I’d be curious to see if we can find out on this bike!

 

[Freqman1]

Post war I think '46-7 but I'm sure the experts will nail it down. V/r Shawn

 

[GTs58]

With the tapered kickstand and drop center rims I'd have to agree with Freqman1. Odd that a 46-7 would have an S serial number that is higher than the 1949 S numbers.

 

[Freqman1]

On balloon tire Schwinns only this is the quickest way to tell the difference. These are called the rear "drop outs". On prewar they open to the backside. On postwar they open from the front side. Also most (not all) post war have a welded on kickstand mount. V/r Shawn

Post War

Prewar

 

[catfish]

Welcome to the CABE !

 

[bricycle]

Welcome to our group! Great bike.

 

[Csmith333]

Does anyone know when bendix started with rear hubs?? I was hoping maybe that’d help a bit with dating also.

 

[Freqman1]

I want to say '47 but I'm going from memory. Kind of unusual to see that hub as these typically had New Departures. V/r Shawn