Need help with a shaft drive...

[ol'tin bender]

A guy from another site i am on has this old shaft drive that has a headbadge that reads "Imperial 1901" any help with the id on it and what it might be worth, he is trying to sell it. Thanks.

 

[Andrew Gorman]

I'd say it's an Imperial Ladies bike from 1901. It's a chainless, which is a plus, and a ladies bike which is a big minus. It's in pretty scruffy cosmetic condition which is also a minus. I think that Imperials were part of the Pope/ABC empire, but the frame and the rear drop-outs don't look exactly like a contemporary Columbia. As for value, whatever someone will pay for it. The plated parts are rough, so it's not a great parts bike. I'd shine it up, put some 29r rims on it and try to sell it on a fixie board. Here's a ride-able Columbia cushion frame with a coaster brake that was a no-sale at $500.00-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280529154750&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[ol'tin bender]

Great thanks, i forwarded the info to the guy.