Prewar Monark “Tops” bike Serial number help.

[Derek499]

I have this well restored monark “Tops” branded bike. I’m wondering what year it’s from. It doesn’t have the typical monark tag under the bottom bracket or rivet holes.
There are numbers on the left rear dropout which are 13770

 

[fordmike65]

Thinking 40-41-ish?

 

[Dope54]

Looks 41

 

[piercer_99]

at least a 41, before that they were on the bottom bracket, then the tag after the war.

 

[Superman1984]

I Never thought I would say this about Monarks BUT I Don't like this One! I guess it could be the Restored factor No Offense @Derek499

 

[Derek499]

I Never thought I would say this about Monarks BUT I Don't like this One! I guess it could be the Restored factor No Offense @Derek499

Understandable, I'm not a fan of restored bikes either which is why I'm selling this one. It's too nice to have fun with.

 

[Superman1984]

Understandable, I'm not a fan of restored bikes either which is why I'm selling this one. It's too nice to have fun with.

It could be that it is also red. Not my favorite color but could be worse & a be a Schwinn Lol

 

[oldfart36]

Looks like it started life as a 40-42 Rocket, possibly made for "Tops" to sell. Your bike now has a later model tank. These bikes originally came in a tanked version, and without tank. The tank version used the "hanging tank" like the 5 bar.
Below is my survivor original 1939 Rocket Motorbike.

 

[jlong]

I have one of these "Topps" badged bikes from around 42. The tank (whats left of it) is similar to Derek's, just no horn.

 

[WESTCOASTRIDERS]

"Nice looking bike someone really took the time to restore it ..looks Pre- war to me with early 40s style frame and tank and earlier style chain guard and rack wich is topical for The Monark off brands