Is the Columbia 1898 or 1899 or ?

[Brian R.]

I picked up this frame with bits and pieces attached and have started gathering parts to make a running bicycle. I'm not striving for 100% accuracy so I'm not worried about the correct hubs and type of spokes, etc.. A friend is making a wooden fender and chain guard for me. I would like to know what year it is so that I can start looking for a head badge. If you know the badge model number for this chain driven Ladies' as well as the year, please let me know as it would save me the trouble of looking it up. Even better, if you have a head badge to sell to me please send me a PM.

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Looks like 1899, model 58 according to Mr. Columbia.

http://www.vintagecolumbiabikes.com/id79.html

I beleive the coupling at the seat tube was introduced in 1899 and continued through 1900. Also, not sure if it applies to womens frames, but I beleive that 1899 was the last year for 1.25" diameter top/down tubes before becoming smaller over the years.

 

[catfish]

Only 1898 and 1899 had the "trophy" fork. That is what this fork is refereed too.

 

[corbettclassics]

Only 1898 and 1899 had the "trophy" fork. That is what this fork is refereed too.

Ed - I had no idea these were called the "Trophy fork". Very cool..!!! Thx

Here's mine which is 1898 Model 49

 

[Velocipedist Co.]

Only 1898 and 1899 had the "trophy" fork. That is what this fork is refereed too.

Never heard that either! What was the purpose of that plate?

 

[pelletman]

They inscribed whatever you wanted on it, mostly your name from what I have seen

 

[Brian R.]

Thank you very much for the replies. I will look for a Model 58 badge.

 

[olderthandirt]

i would be interested in the dimensions on the seat post diameter and the threaded collar that the seat post slides into ! i need one each of these for my bike ,also the inside diameter of the seat post tube thanks

 

[Rusty McNickel]

Howdy all, Late to the conversation, I know, but I have a '99 58 with badge and I concur, that looks like what you have, Brian. I received mine with about as much attached as yours (not to mention the frame and fork cracks under two additional layers of paint). I have everything I need now to build up. Like you, I'm not bent on original parts but what I have is for most part period correct. My question is; does the trophy plate cover front and back of the fork crown? Any idea on how it attaches to the fork? Can't tell from the photos. Mine is missing and while I could certainly go without, it seems easy enough to make.

 

[Craig Allen]

The plates had two screws that were attached from the rear. The ends of the plates were beveled.