J C Higgins Serial Number

[stevielee777]

I just acquired an old bike in great shape. Was told it was a 1955 but that's about all. The chain guard just says jc Higgins - no model name. The serial numbers are 503 4628 and 1672361. Can you tell me anything more about it? was it indeed made in 55? Is it an Import?

 

[Brutuskend]

First to chime in with " we will need pictures".

 

[Adamtinkerer]

503 was an import code. 502 being Murray, most common in the '50s. Murray was building a new factory in 1956, so Sears had an importer supply a lot of their bikes that year. Most of those have a "Made in W. Germany" decal.

 

[stevielee777]

Sorry it took so long to get back but here are some pics of the bike I asked about.

 

[stevielee777]

And the serial numbers. sorrty, not the best pics.

 

[3-speeder]

Wow, that's a nice looking bike. One of the Sears lightweights. Don't see them in that burgundy as often. Usually I see black ones. They don't have a high collector value but I like em. Solidly built and nice riders. Made in Austria as it says on the headbadge. I think that this model was available in burgundy until 1960 when it was the changed to black. It's possible it is a '55, I wouldn't know for sure.
Additionally, it looks like someone has upgraded it with some Raleigh parts such as the grips, peddles and the nicest bonus a Brooks saddle. Beautiful bike!
Just noticed another bonus. Looks like you have Kool-stop brake pads. Supposed to work better when wet.

 

[Adamtinkerer]

Made by Puch in Austria. Probably between 1955-62. '4628' is part of the Sears catalog #, it's listed in the spring '56 catalog, but says it's black. These style bikes had similar #'s until '63, when they switched to 47000 series numbers.

 

[stevielee777]

Thanks a lot guys! I Appreciate your time and knowledge. I bought it for resale but I do like it alot. It also has brand new tires. Seriously thinking about keeping it. What do you think I could get for it should I decide to sell?

 

[stevielee777]

Thanks a lot guys! I Appreciate your time and knowledge. I bought it for resale but I do like it alot. It also has brand new tires. Seriously thinking about keeping it. What do you think I could get for it should I decide to sell?

Also, does it have a model
name?

 

[3-speeder]

The model name is just "Lightweight". The amount you might get for it varies from region to region. First thing I would do is swap out the Brooks saddle. That alone may bring in more than $75 to the right person. As I mentioned before the bike isn't a heavily sought after model. It's condition looks great. Around my area you might get $100 - $150 with the og saddle or it could sit around online until you took less.

I haven't seen any come up I'm my area in that condition. If it fits you well then you should keep it. I love em. Sturdy dependable riders and that one looks awesome!