Sun Racer HSB & co Chicago Hibbard Spencer Bartlett

[rickpaulos]

Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co was a huge hardware store in Chicago in the 1800s until 1962. Lots of company history at this site:

Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., est. 1855 - Made-in-Chicago Museum

Museum Artifact: OVB No. 2 Kerosene Lantern, c. 1920s Made By: Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co., 211 E. North Water Street [Downtown/The Loop] “Hardware seems to those who sell it to be more human than any other kind of business.” That’s how journalist Fred C. Kelly sized up the stock and trade of...

www.madeinchicagomuseum.com

I'm wondering who made this bicycle? And about when. Serial on the bb is 55308.. repaint, newer seat.

cloths pin shim for the wrong size seat clamp on the newer seat.

 

[fordmike65]

Looks like a Manton Smith built bike.

 

[Frank and Pam Skid Kings]

Pull the crank and see if it is marked M & S with a year. Bet it is. My money is on Fordmike. Those hand gas welds are the indicator and they were a supplier to HSB late 30's.

 

[rickpaulos]

Wow, you nailed it. Thanks.