Need help with a prewar frame ID

[lgrinnings]

Howdy folks! Picked up this frame, fork, and fenders this morning and I’m stumped. At first I thought it was a Pierce single bar roadster because of the fork. The serial number (E5616) doesn’t match with the Pierce formatting however which leads me to believe frame and fork may not be matching (although I may be wrong). That said, I still believe the fork to be Pierce unless someone knows otherwise. I’m also now leaning towards Schwinn for the frame but with no real confidence. Based on the pics below, I’m hoping some of you fine folks can set me straight. Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[Archie Sturmer]

If the stays are oval shaped at the bottom bracket (can’t clearly see), then Excelsior Michigan City Indiana might be a match(?).

Does the frame accommodate 28” wheels, (or later 26” lightweights)?

What does the head tube look like; (red in 1st picture; white in 5th close-up)?

 

[pedal4416]

Davis Fork?

 

[lgrinnings]

Davis Fork?

View attachment 1473134

I think you’re correct. I remember now that the Davis fork was double thick at the top plate. Good call.

 

[lgrinnings]

If the stays are oval shaped at the bottom bracket (can’t clearly see), then Excelsior Michigan City Indiana might be a match(?).

Does the frame accommodate 28” wheels, (or later 26” lightweights)?

What does the head tube look like; (red in 1st picture; white in 5th close-up)?

You may have hit the nail on the head. Here it is next to another Excelsior Michigan City… and it accommodates, at the largest, 26” wheels. The serial number striking seems to match as well. There is a difference in the chainstay bridge, but that may just be an evolutionary difference with the single bar being newer.