Is my B-607 a 1946 model?

[DrRumack80]

I've owned this bike for nearly 25 years, always assuming it was a 1946. It has the pencil stand, oversized Delta horn button, drop center rims, and the bearing cups in the BB appear to be blackout parts, 9-hole rack, Planes/Trains/Autos head badge.

Ser# B06439. This is exactly how I got the bike. (pedals are off for storage and currently mislaid) The saddle always looked a bit strange to me and doesn't quite match the catalogs. Not sure about the grips either. Let me know if you need pics of any other parts. Thanks!

 

[Freqman1]

Saddle appears to be a Lobdell. I would expect to see a Mesinger sliding rail on there. 1945?
V/r Shawn

 

[DrRumack80]

Thanks! The bike was previously owned by an older gentleman who was a bike shop owner and had a small collection of bikes. I believe he was the one who painted the headlight cover black. I suppose the saddle could have been swapped at some point, unless there were supply issues and the Lobdell was a factory substitute.

 

[Greg Kozak]

I've never owned a bike longer than 5 years but I do have a t-shirt that is 42 years old.

 

[BFGforme]

I think the light looks great!

 

[DrRumack80]

I think the light looks great!

Thanks! I always assumed it was a repaint, since they are usually painted ivory. I suppose it is possible it came that way from the factory. The paint looks to be aged about the same as the black on the rest of the bike. I never met the man who owned this bike previously. Instead, it was sold on consignment by a friend of his. I don't know 100% that the light was repainted.

 

[bobcycles]

Sharp ride! Right after the war...that particular Lobdell seat was found on many early postwar bikes...mostly DX models
but I've seen it on others as well. Possibly correct application there?

 

[Kickstand3]

Beautiful bike for sure!

 

[1817cent]

I like it! Nice bike for sure. Congrats!

 

[DrRumack80]

Thanks, all! I did not know what to make of the seat, but perhaps my suspicions that it was incorrect are wrong. At least it is period correct. Appreciate all of the info and insight, guys! Could this be a 1945 model as Shawn suggested? I always thought 1946-47.