Update, observation and question time. Yes, I am still very obsessed and intrigued by these bikes. Probably mainly because there is very little to no information available on them (or at least that I can find, and I am looking all the time). I enjoy the history and information hunt almost as much as the bikes themselves.
So, in the past several months I have found 2 more metal tank shielded bikes. Both of these are badged Monark Generals, or what some refer to as 5 Star Generals. That makes 3 versions known so far. Rocket, General, and Whites Super Chief.
The men's General is Model # 7 4260D and girl's 7 4261 or 4264, I'm not sure it's kinda rough. The previously found men's Rocket bikes were also model 4260's, but with no 7 in front, so I'm guessing the 7 might indicates the General. I still have no idea why some have a C or D or no letter after the 4260? And no surprise, they are both 1953's like all the rest.
Next mystery that neither one of these helps answer, is still what headlight came OG on these bikes? There has yet to be found a 100% complete bike. But from what I can gather, I am pretty sure that the Rocket version came with a Monark Pedestal light but mounted directly to the fender without the pedestal. A Delta Winner, Rocket Ray, and unknow middleweight era headlight have been seen on some of the other bikes.
Finally, for me the biggest mystery is still why there is no known/found catalog page or advertisement for these bikes. Monark was always very big on their advertising and promoting of their bikes. They always had very catchy names for their newest improvements and flashy accessories. “Air-Style” design Headlight with Brilliant “Road-Focus” Beam. “Silver-Wing” Fender Crest (Rocket Trim on Front Fender). “Kromegard” bumper & shock-proof (“Tombstone” Type) Rear Reflector. “Strato-Liner” Headlight with “Road Focus” beam (aka “Train Light”). “Air Wing” Head Shroud with Head Plate. “Protecto-Gard” tank crash rails.
1953 was obviously a big year for them to TRY new things to catch more of the market and compete with the competition. They introduced the new knee action fork, and obviously this bike with the new "Protecto-Gard Tanks Shields" would have been something they would have promoted the hell out of, so where are the ads? And yes, I just made up that name because it sounds like something they would have called it.
I hope to have pictures of the Generals coming soon!