Looking for info on a Pre-war Elgin bicycle I got recently

[bhuff]

I recently picked up this 26" pre-war Elgin bicycle. I've been told it is a Four Star Deluxe circa 1939-1941. The inside of the tank has blue paint (the only paint I can still see). Looking for any addition info on the bike. I'd like to determine the actual year, if possible. It does have a Stewart Warner floater hub. See pics.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Murray Ohio built Sears Elgin bicycle. The date may be determined by looking for a date code on the bottom, along with the serial number. It may be grainy with rust and pitting, but it may likely read SD for 1939; SE for 1940; etc. For example, F is the 6th letter in the alphabet, and the 6th year (1941) of Murray bicycles, who started producing bicycles in 1936-A. The "S" stamp would indicate "Sears".

I recently picked up this 26" pre-war Elgin bicycle.

Is it true that rust is heavier than steel?

 

[bhuff]

Ok I see "SE", so you're saying it would be 1940. Thank you!