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Newbie would like more information on new Hiawatha bike.

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I am confused by the "SHEL" on the badge.
Was this original to the bike, or did someone just put the badge on their as a replacement?
I just measured it and it is 2 7/8 inch tall.
 
I think it is a 1953 Chippewa by Hiawatha with an original cost of $69.95. I wish I had the correct headlight.

If you have one let me know!!

Thanks

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Gambles 1953 Christmas catalog - page 22 - Bike A is the Hiawatha Chippewa
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I did not see the "SHEL" on the badge either. It was not until Archie Sturmer mentioned it, that I saw it.
If you look at the chrome badge it is above the "th" in Hiawatha... It is in the bottom rays that extend from the headdress.
 
confused by the "SHEL" on the badge?
Where was the subject 1953 Gambles Hiawatha Chippewa built?
A. Cleveland OH, because all CWC bikes must have been built in Cleveland;
B. Little Rock AR, because AMF moved production in ~1956;
C. Miami OH, not to be confused with Miami Florida;
D. Minnesota, by a Scandinavian who anglicized the spelling of his name, "Kjel";
E. Shelby OH, because Bert Gamble, then owner of Shelby, made it happen that way?
There are threads on the Shelby > Gambles > AMF/CWC connection on this site.
https://shelbycyclehistory.org/2017/11/26/shelby-bicycle-industry-timeline/
https://shelbycyclehistory.org/
 
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Where was the subject 1953 Gambles Hiawatha Chippewa built?
A. Cleveland OH, because all CWC bikes must have been built in Cleveland;
B. Little Rock AR, because AMF moved production in ~1956;
C. Miami OH, not to be confused with Miami Florida;
D. Minnesota, by a Scandinavian who anglicized the spelling of his name, "Kjel";
E. Shelby OH, because Bert Gamble, then owner of Shelby, made it happen that way?

https://shelbycyclehistory.org/2017/11/26/shelby-bicycle-industry-timeline/
https://shelbycyclehistory.org/
Big E would be my best guess. Razin.
 
Welcome , John ! Archie and Harley are on the money. ill add that your seat post clamp w/ the rib is allways 1948 to 53 .
 
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