Need Help Identifying Grandfather’s Our Own Hardware Bicycle (Possibly Prewar Schwinn-Built)

[sbizzilly]

Hello everyone,


I’m new to the forum and hoping to learn more about a bicycle that belonged to my grandfather.


The head badge says Our Own Hardware, and a collector I spoke with believes it may be a Schwinn-built bicycle from approximately 1939–1941. He also mentioned that the current crank and sprocket are not original and that it may have originally used a Sweetheart sprocket and dog-leg crank.


The bike was repainted red many years ago, so unfortunately I don’t believe the paint is original. The grips, seat, crank, sprocket, chain, and tires also appear to have been changed at some point.

I’m trying to learn:

1. What year is this bicycle?
2. Was it built by Schwinn?
3. What model would it have been?
4. Would it originally have had a tank, rack, horn, or other accessories?
5. Which parts currently appear to be original and which are replacements?
6. Is there anything unusual or noteworthy about this bike?

The serial number is difficult to read because of the repaint, but I can make out what appears to be “…504.”

My goal is to restore the bike as accurately as possible since it was my grandfather’s bicycle.


I’ve attached several photos and would greatly appreciate any information or advice.


Thank you for taking the time to look.

 

[fat tire trader]

It Is a prewar Schwinn, remove the paint to expose the whole serial number to use it for establishing the year.

 

[Schwinndig]

Looks 1936 ish to me. Like mentioned above, we can date it if you’re able to clean off some of the old house paint from the serial number. It definitely has some odd parts on it. The fenders look correct. Very cool project though. Welcome to the club.