ID help please.. 30's to 50's US cruiser?

[20x1 1/8]

My buddy just picked up the pictured bike from his uncle, who told him it was his father's bike. Anybody recognize this one? Appreciate any information.

 

[Mikes bikes]

Colson I think!

 

[Mikes bikes]

Maybe a 1937 by the truss rods.

 

[Mikes bikes]

Hey, I ment to say 1936 Colson, Maybe!

 

[fordmike65]

That chaining wasn't used until 38. That fork was used for several years on lower models. I don't think that frame style was introduced until 40-41,correct? Lets see a date stamp on the bottom bracket (Under the crank stamped into the frame) I'm at work & don't have access to my Colson book. I'll check when I get home.

 

[20x1 1/8]

Thank you, I'll pass it along!

 

[20x1 1/8]

VIN says:

29268
J8

Does this make sense?

 

[Boris]

Colsonspeak: J = October (10th letter, 10th month), 8 = 1938. I don't see that framestyle in my Colson book (but that doesn't mean anything). However on page '49 my book does show the chainring was introduced in 1938 (corrected per fordmike65). Sure wonder what this bike looked like when it had a motor on it.

 

[fordmike65]

What size wheels are those? Pretty sure the Ninja Star chainring (as I call it) was introduced in 38, right Dave?

 

[Boris]

You're right Mike! I made a mistake. Page 48 was 1937 and the opposing page 49 was 1938. I will correct that in my earlier post. Thanks!