Pre '33 AS&CO Serial Number Project

[cyclingday]

I was working on this rig today, so I snapped a picture of the serial number for this thread.

It’s hard to tell, but it looks like it reads, 630
The crank is dated, 1916, but that low turnover serial number suggests early 1917?

 

[JO BO]

Lots of incorrect parts (including crank) no badge but most guess mid twenties Schwinn.
Wish it was more original. 327894 serial number

 

[dasberger]

So after a fairly deep dive into the deep dark corners of the CABE this is what I have come up with. This list is by no means an end all be all for dating early Schwinn but should serve as a decent guide. If you have more info on any of the bikes listed please feel free to share and I will update the registry. If you currently own any bikes listed and you would like to be named as "contributor" please send me a pm and I will make necessary changes.

As more examples surface I will do my best to keep the list updated

 

[dasberger]

This should be a little easier....

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Below is a Chicago Cycle Supply Co. thread by @CURTIS L LINDGREN with a "Spartan" bicycle and higher-end serial number.

Need Help Here ! Chicago Cycle Supply Co, Serial number. | Wanted: Bikes, Trikes, Parts, Accessories, Etc.

Hello to all here. I'm new to the Cabe, but have messed with pre war bikes on and off for a while now. I just got a 1934 ? 26" Motorbike style Bicycle Made By Chicago Cycle Supply Co. It has a " Spartan" badge The Serial # is 550637 I haven't found a list...

thecabe.com

 

[dasberger]

I will continue to update my list and post updated versions as more bikes appear. I highlighted the 1934 Excelsior in RED as stoping point seeing this is the Pre '33 registry. However, I do think it would be interesting to see which bikes from '34 have 26" vs 28" wheels as there has been some discussion about frame sizes and the transitional period.

 

[cyclingday]

Well, I finally got it rolling.
The 1917 Schwinn,“double arch”Excelsior rides again!

 

[New Mexico Brant]

View attachment 1543884
Well, I finally got it rolling.
The 1917 Schwinn,“double arch”Excelsior rides again!

Looks fabulous Marty! Could you please post some close up detail shots of this stunner for us to study the build traits Schwinn was using at this time. I would love to see the top of the fork crown, rear and front top lugging, and the rear fork area. Kind thanks, Brant

 

[New Mexico Brant]

This should be a little easier....


View attachment 1540985
View attachment 1540986

You may want to add Ron's @Oldnut 1916 truss frame Schwinn Excelsior with serial number: "Looks like 862653." It has an AS-16 crank.

Arnold schwinn excelsior truss bar dating | Antique Bicycles Pre-1933

The plot thickens Well popped the crank out to clean it.says as 16.cleaning the frame some found excelsior on the down tube real faint but there well no painting this one now

thecabe.com

 

[dasberger]

Wow Marty... another fantastic survivor!! Well done!

Thanks Brant. I'm not sure how I missed that one but what a great example. Will add to the next update.