Pre '33 AS&CO Serial Number Project

[dasberger]

No insight on whether Schwinn was building for Shapleigh Hardware/Rugby badge. That frame with Rugby badge was a frame sold by a Caber and had the fork missing unfortunately. For the most part, when I see a potentially pieced together bikes it's tough to know as so many are so well done. Of course, more examples that are less "complete" or "as found" need to emerge to gain more confidence. What is the oldest AS crank year stamp known? Maybe start there? But yea, the 20's were rocking it with so many players, bankruptcies and "mergers" as we know playing into the depression era.

The oldest crank date on the registry is an AS 15

 

[Freqman1]

1898 Schwinn "The World" Model 22 Gents Roadster.
First pic is in front of original Schwinn factory in Chicago where this bike was born! Serial is 13678 and I believe late 1898. V/r Shawn

 

[dasberger]

Love that bike Shawn! Curious if the cranks were dated that early? It will certainly be added to the next update... I've got about a half dozen or so to add when I get a chance

 

[Freqman1]

Love that bike Shawn! Curious if the cranks were dated that early? It will certainly be added to the next update... I've got about a half dozen or so to add when I get a chance

Thanks. I've never had the crank out but I really doubt it (dating). Maybe @Jesse McCauley or @New Mexico Brant could answer that question. V/r Shawn

 

[cyclingday]

I have one of those loose pre 1900 type Schwinn cranks, I’ll take a look at it, to see if it’s dated.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Teens period Henderson badge by Schwinn:

 

[cyclingday]

Most likely, a 1920’s period Henderson badge.
The company didn’t make the purchase of Henderson until 1917, with 1918 being the first year of production.
So, very late teens at the earliest.
The teens period Excelsior badges were different from the ones produced in the 20’s.
Then, they looked more like that Henderson badge, which is also what has me thinking, that badge is from the 20’s.
Just a thought.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Most likely, a 1920’s period Henderson badge.
The company didn’t make the purchase of Henderson until 1917, with 1918 being the first year of production.
So, very late teens at the earliest.
The teens period Excelsior badges were different from the ones produced in the 20’s.
Then, they looked more like that Henderson badge, which is also what has me thinking, that badge is from the 20’s.
Just a thought.

Sorry Marty, I have to respectfully disagree. It is my belief Schwinn (masters of marketing) embraced the Henderson marque immediately and made it their top boutique offering sometime in 1917/early 1918. Research and literature may prove me wrong; World War I considerations must also be thought about, but it doesn’t seem Schwinn slowed down during this period.

Here are two original catalogs from the large Schwinn literature group l purchased at Memory Lane. The catalogs and offerings are virtually identical but the bicycle builds vary greatly. The World catalog is 1917; my gut feeling is the Henderson late 1917/early 1918. Of note, the Hendersons where being fitted out mostly white with red tread Firestone non-skid tires, the Worlds with more cost effective alternatives. Not a single black tire appears in either catalog. The Henderson's got a bit more flashy paint schemes as well. Much of the print copy is identical, word for word.

 

[cyclingday]

I stand corrected,
But, as stated, in my previous post,
late 1917 at the very earliest.

 

[lgrinnings]

I’ve got a couple teens Schwinn projects (sadly no original cranks). They’re both pre-1 million.

The first is a World Truss Frame model 1758 or Excelsior model 1708 badged Rutgers. Serial number is 954782.

The second is a diamond frame Mead Ranger. Serial number is 786671.

Teens Rutgers

Teens Mead Ranger