Mystery Tandem Project (similar to Orient/Pierce/American)

[fat tire trader]

I don't think it is a G&J, but it could it be a Fowler.

 

[fat tire trader]

Or maybe an America

The sprockets do look Orient, but...I'm leaning towards Fowler.

 

[Groundhog]

Thanks- was hoping to find better resolution versions of a couple of those! Seems like the patents postdate the failure of the original Fowler company but Fowler and F.C. Ferrin were probably building bikes pretty similar to those they built and sold in the 1893-7 period.

 

[Groundhog]

Iver bars on the Orient/America type bike

Ok- finally getting back to this tandem after finishing my dissertation! I just pulled out the half a handlebar that was on it when I got it and found a new clue!

So- is there any chance these are what came on a turn of the century bike or would they have been replacements? They would have been about 18" tip to tip.

 

[Groundhog]

Spent a little more time getting rid of the white paint with acetone- still wondering if this tandem was originally black or plated. The headset is definitely plated and there are trances of smooth plating along all the tubes, not just at the joints.

I've been looking at the badges again and based on the holes, it seems like Fowler (diamond) and Victor (rounded rectangle shape) are the most likely candidates. The Victor is the only one I've seen with the orient-style chainrings so far. Anyone know the distance between the holes on a Fowler badge?

 

[Groundhog]

Thought I posted these but don't see them now. Parts after paint/gunk removal. The sprockets/chainwheels seem different from the Victor approach, ditto the crank bolting, etc.

 

[GiovanniLiCalsi]

Looks like Fauber hangers.
Here is a Velo on EBay. The Fauber catalog chainrings are very similar to your tandems.

 

[fat tire trader]

Any progress on this tandem?

 

[Jesse McCauley]

For any of you fine folks that have been on the edge of your seat over this bike....