Need help identifying my favorite rider....

[rusty_apache]

I now believe that it is a 1902 Wasp after doing some more research and learning that the American Cycle Mfg. Co formed then.
So my Wasp was probably built from dead stock from one of 48 companies and I am curious about which one it might be.

Anyone have any clues?

Here’s the list....

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Pope/Westfield would have a later relationship with the successors to these companies; and as I researched the 3-hole chain ring sprocket on my Westfield built Shapleigh motorbike, a member referred me to a similar design by Featherstone. But there may have been others with 3-hole sprockets also.
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/help-with-this-american-bicycle-company-bike.141076/ (Crawford and Featherstone).

 

[rusty_apache]

Thanks. I feel lucky to have the badge in place.
The Featherstone is close, but the Wasp rear stays, while similarly pinched, are rounded off where they terminate and the tubing is D shaped, like a Western Wheel Works frame. The horseshoe chain ring looks original but after 118 years anything is possible.
Upon closer inspection it seems my chainring doesn’t have the three distinct humps along the bottom of each horseshoe like yours.

 

[Blue Streak]

Not able to identify which American Cycle Manufacturing Company made it but here are some ads found in period newspapers. Could only find reference to 1902 and 1903 Wasps. Most ads from general stores, department stores or catalog houses.

First reference to Wasp found. April 10, 1902 issue of the Detroit Free Press:

May 2, 1902 issue of Chetopa Advance (Chetopa KS

June 12, 1902 issue of The Monroe Journal (Claiborne AL

June 19, 1902 issue of The Journal Times (Racine WI

July 31, 1902 issue of The Tuscaloosa Gazette (Tuscaloosa AL

September 25, 1902 issue of The Star Press (Muncie IN

Last Wasp ad found. April 17, 1903 issue of Great Falls Tribune (Great Falls MT

 

[rusty_apache]

Thanks for all the information! It’s nice to know for SURE that it was an “economic“ wheel!

 

[Goldenrod]

Stunning. Want to trade my house for that?

 

[rusty_apache]

Stunning. Want to trade my house for that?

You realize that you are talking to a hoarder and this is my favorite beater.... the Wasp was even approved by “the Barn Owls”

Actually, how many bikes will fit in your house?