Old Girl, Schwinn, Elgin or none of the above

[robertc]

I have just aquired this old girl. She has a sweetheart sprocket like a Schwinn. She appears to be pre-war, late 30's? Some of my buddies are thinking Schwinn others Elgin. Did other bicycle manufactors use the sweetheard sproket? The chain guard does not appear to be original to the bike. The serial number is B1291682. Any thoughts?

 

[robertc]

I’ve received an e-mail from one of my collector friends and had a call from another in reference to this bike. The verdict seems to be Elgin. I just found a 1937 Sears Catalog on the web which has a woman’s bike that matches the frame design. The bike shown in the catalog also has a sweetheart sprocket. As soon as I can cut through the painted Morrow hub maybe I can find a number to identify the exact year.

 

[RMS37]

The bike is a Westfield product so it may have been badged as an Elgin or it may have been badged as one of the other brands Westfield supplied to. The serial number will date the bike using Mr. Columbia's chart. The B marks it as being produced in 1937.

 

[robertc]

Thanks Phil for the infomation.

 

[robertc]

I just managed to strip the paint off the Morrow hub. It's date stamped 1936.

 

[RMS37]

I just managed to strip the paint off the Morrow hub. It's date stamped 1936.

Which quarter? A late 36 hub would not be unlikely on a 37 bike.

 

[robertc]

Phil, I can't see a letter and number stamp. The 36 is directly below the Eclipse Machine Company, Elmira New York. Any ideas?