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Hendee Mfg Co. / Indian Motocycle Co. Bicycles Information Thread

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1901 pope built
 
Mark, have we've exhausted the history of the Indian and its importance, or can I post a picture of my bulldog? He's just as cute as this 1901 Pope built bike. Remember (to Shawn) Hendee contracted with Westfield (Pope) in 1915 not '16 (see my post #45).

I love the Pope springer fork, and it was introduced in 1910 (see below attachment)

Pope Springer.jpg



Here it is installed on an Indian with a Merkel Motor Wheel. Note; the bike is a Special Delivery with the black paint scheme and contrasting pins, it also sports the six spider chainring that was used on the Hedstrom prototype.

Indian Merkel 1.jpg
Indian Coil .png
Indian Merkel 5.jpg



Indian Merkel 2.jpg
Indian Merkel 3.jpg
 
Mark, have we've exhausted the history of the Indian and its importance, or can I post a picture of my bulldog? He's just as cute as this 1901 Pope built bike. Remember (to Shawn) Hendee contracted with Westfield (Pope) in 1915 not '16 (see my post #45).

I love the Pope springer fork, and it was introduced in 1910 (see below attachment)

View attachment 715806


Here it is installed on an Indian with a Merkel Motor Wheel. Note; the bike is a Special Delivery with the black paint scheme and contrasting pins, it also sports the six spider chainring that was used on the Hedstrom prototype.

View attachment 715807View attachment 715808 View attachment 715811


View attachment 715812View attachment 715813


Carlton,
I use the '16 date as the production of bicycles. I was aware that they contracted in '15 but didn't think bicycle production actually started until the '16 model year. Do you contend there were '15 models? Re: the Pope post--this is what started to dilute the Flying Merkel thread//Dean I believe Carlton was referring to the off topic post (sarcasm). V/r Shawn
 
I'm not sure how you arrived at your conclusion that Westfield built early Indians...but for our edification please share your documentation (evidence) or pics of a 1901 Indian to compare? I'd love to have been a fly on the wall watching Augustus Pope and George Hendee battle over infringements and patents. LOL
 
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8E5A76CB-74FD-46C6-9230-EF09A3B72B1C.jpeg
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Besides the obvious chain ring the frame measures out as specified to the 02 catalog at the rear stays and the 1 “ tubing. I’m sure 01 hendee’s are rarer then hens teeth but I’m sure someone has a example somewhere.
 
Mark, so let me try to understand…you’re eluding that the 1902 Indians were Westfield built?

Ok, let stick with this conjecture, I’ll concur the frame similarities…(even though, neither of us has ever seen a 1901-1902 Indian! So like your speculation, my agreement is pure superficial based without facts or merit! Perhaps one day in our lifetime we'll have the good fortune to actually see one up close! Regardless, lets look at the known facts we have:

Jobbers and suppliers were abundant during TOC.
Tubing Ads.jpg
The Crosby Co.jpg



Almost every bike manufacturer ordered their parts from a supplier then welded, polished, painted and assembled on site.
Hendee Taylor Shop.jpg




1” tubing (shown in your Pope pics) was not proprietary or an anomaly, but common. Early 1900 there was a trend to go to a smaller size tubing (for a lighter bike)…yet many makers proposed returning to the larger diameter for safety reasons.
1 inch Tubing.jpg
 
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