Original paint?

[cyclesmithc]

I picked up this Ladies Elgin at Hershey this week. I am curious to see if people think the paint is original or not. If it was repainted, it was done fairly well, and a long time ago. The side wheel cover and chain guide are riveted, No holes for a head badge, pretty sure that's a Schwinn rack? Thanks in advance

 

[Freqman1]

I’m not seeing a pic

 

[cyclesmithc]

I’m not seeing a pic

Pics are up, thanks

 

[Freqman1]

Looks house painted. Not a Schwinn rack. V/r Shawn

 

[bikerbluz]

Murray built frame. If that lettering on the bottom bracket is MOD, would make it a 39. Curious that it appears red under the bottom bracket but no where else. I have seen a frame like this for sale, only a men’s, with a similar paint scheme. It also had no head badge holes, but had Elgin painted on. I believe, but am not certain, that was a war time thing. You could pull the fork or the crankset to look for the original paint color. Figuring out some of the mystery is part of the fun, l think. I have always liked bikes with a curved seat tube. Have that Art Deco feel.

 

[bikemonkey]

Nice bike! There is a lot of potential there...very nice lines, skirt guard, and a great saddle...

 

[cyclesmithc]

good advice, thanks. If it was repainted, whoever did it removed the crank bearing cups and steering cups. No holes for the head badge threw me as well. I thought maybe a private label/ hardware store offering maybe

 

[stezell]

I had a ladies Elgin with a painted badge it was green and white @slick has it still as far as I know. Maybe he could send you a pic or two, definitely has potential nice floating front hub.
Sean

 

[pedal4416]

Repainted. It looks like the color under the BB was the original.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

The "SE" stamp might make it a 1940 Sears bike.
The "D" in "MOD 502" does not usually count as a date code; (otherwise there would be a lot of them).
Some of these bikes had a shroud around the head tube which could explain missing badge holes, (unless they were filled-in and painted over).
Notice the special kick stand that straddles the rear fork, in addition to the ears on the frame (for a drop stand); it is likely original.