My first Elgin not sure what year but I’m in love lol

[Kevin537]

I picked this up this morning. Not sure of the year but the serial number starts with an H then 5 numbers after it. I bought this from the second owner who got it out of the rafters of a barn in New Hampshire. It’s a little rough but is a survivor and other than missing a pedal, and grips I think is all there but not sure. I’m not sure what it’s worth and I’m sure I over paid but it was love at first sight and I had to have her! Merry Christmas to me!

 

[cr250mark]

Square shoulder tank
Thinking late 20’s
Nice bike

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice bike.
Looks like a later 1930–H Westfield built Elgin for Sears.

Earlier 1930–H Westfield built motorbikes, (and 1929–G, &c.) had the older style frame; e.g., the band type of joint between the truss tube and the seat tube.

Westfield may have increased production of Sears Elgin bicycles, about when Excelsior Cycle started having financial difficulties, in late 1929 (for some reason?).

Welcome to the CABE!

 

[Kevin537]

Nice bike.
Looks like a later 1930–H Westfield built Elgin for Sears.

Earlier 1930–H Westfield built motorbikes, (and 1929–G, &c.) had the older style frame; e.g., the band type of joint between the truss tube and the seat tube.

Westfield may have increased production of Sears Elgin bicycles, about when Excelsior Cycle started having financial difficulties, in late 1929 (for some reason?).

Welcome to the CABE!

Thanks for all the info! Any chance you could post a pic of the difference in frames between the early and later 30 models?
I plan on taking it apart and replacing anything missing, broken or just too far gone with the right parts then cleaning and preserving the original paint and decals the best I can. This bike will never be parted out or restored/repainted as long as it’s in my possession.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

There are a lot of pictures of pre-1930 Westfield motorbikes on the CABE, but they might not likely be badged as Sears Elgins.

Besides the band style of joint versus trumpet style of joint of the truss tube, are a few other differences: the diameter of the truss tube was smaller in the later years; the joint at the front end of the truss tube was changed from a flush joint to a trumpet joint; and the bridges in between the chain stays and seat stays was changed from straight to curved.

That’s a lot of copper.

 

[Kevin537]

There are a lot of pictures of pre-1930 Westfield motorbikes on the CABE, but they might not likely be badged as Sears Elgins.

Besides the band style of joint versus trumpet style of joint of the truss tube, are a few other differences: the diameter of the truss tube was smaller in the later years; the joint at the front end of the truss tube was changed from a flush joint to a trumpet joint; and the bridges in between the chain stays and seat stays was changed from straight to curved.

That’s a lot of copper.

I might have to scrap some of that copper to help pay for this thing lol

 

[Mercian]

Hi @Kevin537 and welcome.

As @Archie Sturmer says, the H indicates a 1930 Westfield built Elgin. 1930 was a low production year, due to the 1929 stock market Wall Street crash.

Yours appears to be in better condition, with a period rack on the back.

I would appreciate the full serial number of yours to add to my records. It's useful because it allows me to help other people the way I am doing for you below.

Here is H66634.

Photos by @OZ1972 https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/elgin-motorbike-what-year.200366/#post-1361114

Thanks,

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[Kevin537]

Hi @Kevin537 and welcome.

As @Archie Sturmer says, the H indicates a 1930 Westfield built Elgin. 1930 was a low production year, due to the 1929 stock market Wall Street crash.

Yours appears to be in better condition, with a period rack on the back.

I would appreciate the full serial number of yours to add to my records. It's useful because it allows me to help other people the way I am doing for you below.

Here is H66634.

Photos by @OZ1972 https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/elgin-motorbike-what-year.200366/#post-1361114
View attachment 2157355

View attachment 2157356



View attachment 2157357
Thanks,

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[Mercian]

Hi @Kevin537

Thank you for the serial number, it tells me that the bike was made late 1930. The highest number I have recorded for the year so far is H77000.

The Elgin above is the closest number survivor I have recorded, yours being a couple of months newer.

Best Regards;,

Adrian

 

[catfish]

Nice