Mercury Pacemaker Frame Question

[kreika]

Looking for some help figuring out frame differences In the 1939-41 Mercury Pacemaker line. I have quite a few, but one frame stands out different than the rest. Five of my frames have the black frame style, clamp over the seat post tube but the red frame has the clamp built into the frame. Any ideas why the difference? Early production or late? Not a Mercury, but a Western Flyer/Hiawatha store branded version of the bike?
Thank you,
Chris

 

[Jarod24]

Looking for some help figuring out frame differences In the 1939-41 Mercury Pacemaker line. I have quite a few, but one frame stands out different than the rest. Five of my frames have the black frame style, clamp over the seat post tube but the red frame has the clamp built into the frame. Any ideas why the difference? Early production or late? Not a Mercury, but a Western Flyer/Hiawatha store branded version of the bike?
Thank you,
Chris

View attachment 404295

View attachment 404296

5!!!!!!!

 

[kreika]

Oops actually 6 frames but 2 are just frames not complete bikes.

 

[fordmike65]

Oops actually 6 frames but 2 are just frames not complete bikes.

Are any in original condition?

 

[kreika]

No, restored or culmination of the best parts I could find. Finding an original....bucket list! Maybe someday.

 

[Boris]

No help here, but let's see the Colson!

 

[kreika]

Are any in original condition?

Are any in original condition?

I was poking around and saw the beautiful Maroon girls you have. So nice!!!! Jealous

 

[kreika]

No help here, but let's see the Colson!

It's stuck in the corner. I'll bust it out and get some pics. Somebody had money in '41. They bought the speedo, personalized name plate on top tube and coaster brake activated tail light.

 

[TR6SC]

All I want is a frame!

 

[Jarod24]

Oops actually 6 frames but 2 are just frames not complete bikes.

Anyways back to your original question I'm going to say the red one is later and the other style is earlier. If you look at other Murray built bikes around that time frame the straight down tube bikes have that same style as the black bike and those bikes were around 37-40 from what I've heard and the later 40-42 bent seat tube murrays have the red bike style. That's just my thoughts