Sterling Questions

[Ed Minas]

I have a ladies Sterling build in Chicago which should put it prior to 1898. It has Toc hubs and wooden rims. It also has a steel chain gaurd and a steel rear fender both of which have holes for dress gaurd lacing. I would have expected wooden fenders and wooden chain gaurd. Have others seen these metal components on early bike like this? I am also wondering about the stem clamp is this too late for a 1898 bike? Thanks in advance.

 

[redline1968]

Your sterling is no earlier than 98 or later.. built like a watch is a later logo along with the patent date of 98. The gaurd and fender are more than likely to be euro british made...metal clad wood wheels are later also all Ive seen is wood guards for us made bikes in that period.clamp on neck is correct..

 

[Barnegatbicycles]

Fender, chainguard and stem clamp are all correct. The badge says chicago so it was built before 98. The later model sterlings say kenosha. Is the badge aluminum? As for the "built like a watch" I've seen that saying in advertisements from 1896. If your badge is aluminum then it's probably a 96 maybe 95 but I would have to dig a bit to remember.

 

[Blue Streak]

I agree with @Barnegatbicycles that the parts are correct. Here is info from 1897 and 1898 Sterling catalogs from www.Sterba-bike.cz. Neither catalog says what material the fenders and chainguard are but the chainguard in the images looks like yours. Also both 1897 and 1898 reference Chicago.

1897 Sterling Catalog:

1898 Sterling Catalog:

Annie Oakley Rode Sterling Bicycles | General Discussion About Old Bicycles

Annie rode a Sterling bicycle, while sharpshooting.

thecabe.com

Fenders look like steel in the second and third photos of Annie Oakley thread.

 

[Ed Minas]

Wow thank you. You guys rock.

 

[redline1968]

Heres a 94-95 bike..the logo built like a watch is a 97-98 logo first apeared on catalogs.... the patent date is the key on dates on this .. cant be earlier than the badge . Either a 98 or later bike. Metal is possible but ive seen wood on most girls bikes..

 

[Blue Streak]

Ed,

Can you find the serial number on your Sterling frame?

Jeff

 

[Barnegatbicycles]

Heres a 94-95 bike..the logo built like a watch is a 97-98 logo first apeared on catalogs.... the patent date is the key on dates on this .. cant be earlier than the badge . Either a 98 or later bike. Metal is possible but ive seen wood on most girls bikes..
View attachment 1302954

Looks like a 3 not an 8.

 

[Blue Streak]

From 1894 Sterling Catalog. Lady Sterling Model F with steel chain and mud guards. From Sterba-bike.cz.

 

[redline1968]

Ha :0 :0 look closely with loop..
Mine would be a 92...:0:0..wish