The Facts About A Schwinn Serial Number

[GTs58]

What was the purpose to stamp numbers on the frames ?

.

Scroll down just a tad to the Certificate. That is the only reason for a serial number. Identification.
http://schwinncruisers.com/catalogs/1948.html

That stamped number is not a VIN and it is not directly related to any build date. It is a serial number that was recorded on the date posted in the serial number list that Bryan Crawford put up on Anglefire. No where on that list does he say it is a build date, frame or otherwise.

On a regular basis I take an aluminum nameplate and stamp a serial number and model number on it. Then I drill four holes and rivet that plate to a commercial machine. It does not say when or indicate who built the damn thing. The serial # is recorded along with all the particular information on the machine including who purchased it and when. That gives the company knowledge of how long the machine was in use when a customer calls in with a problem and for warranty purposes etc. And the fun part is, I can stamp any number on that plate that crosses my mind. And we keep a SN log as Schwinn did so that our numbers are not repeated.

As I said earlier, at some point Schwinn started using automatic stamping machines and at that time the serial numbers were stamped on the bikes component prior to any frame building. Whether that part was used that day to build a frame is very likely, but not all and it wasn't a critical issue with Schwinn that that part must be used the day the SN was stamped on it. The double stamped unlike serial numbers on two different components and at two different locations on a headtube clearly confirms this.

 

[2jakes]

Scroll down just a tad to the Certificate. That is the only reason for a serial number. Identification.
http://schwinncruisers.com/catalogs/1948.html

Thanks...but
I have my own original Schwinn book.

This certificate by Schwinn is a guarantee that " as long as I own it"...
Schwinn will make good with some exceptions to replace parts.

When I purchased the Schwinn, I was issued the certificate . It was my
responsibility to register & keep it in a safe place. When I needed parts
to replace, this was my proof that I was the owner. This certificate
number is for "proof of purchase" & has no bearing on the numbers
that are stamped on the frame at the Chicago factory.

 

[GTs58]

This Certificate will not be valid until we receive the attached registration card, properly filled out and signed by the original owner or purchaser.
I am the original purchaser or owner of the Schwinn-Built bicycle registered under the serial number shown above.

This is the whole point of why a bike has a serial number, for identification. The serial number thing was also mentioned in Schwinn's theft guaranty with it's locking fork. The SN is similar to a SS #, for ID so the government can follow up on what you owe them, but it's not used as a birth certificate. The Schwinn born on date was stamped on the headbadges starting in 1976 and I'm not sure why Schwinn started stamping the actual build dates on the badges.

The facts about what a serial number really is can be found everywhere if you look. The Serial Number myths are hearsay and cannot be backed up with any valid evidence. If there is any valid proof a standard Schwinn serial number is or was meant to be more than just an identification number, I sure would like to see it.
Another issue is the Ballooners taking on the name heavyweight. No such word in Schwinn's vocabulary, or other manufacturers of that time, just a name made up by the general public.

 

[2jakes]

To the contrary. Read the last few sentences. The number on that certificate is a bike's serial number, not a proof of purchase number, certificate number or invoice number. Was there such a thing as a proof of purchase number back in 48?

This Certificate will not be valid until we receive the attached registration card, properly filled out and signed by the original owner or purchaser.

I am the original purchaser or owner of the Schwinn-Built bicycle registered under the serial number shown above.

This is the whole point of why a bike has a serial number, for identification. The serial number thing was also mentioned in Schwinn's theft guaranty with it's locking fork. The SN is similar to a SS #, for ID so the government can follow up on what you owe them, but it's not used as a birth certificate. The Schwinn born on date was stamped on the headbadges starting in 1976 and I'm not sure why Schwinn started stamping the actual build dates on the badges.

The facts about what a serial number really is can be found everywhere if you look. The Serial Number myths are hearsay and cannot be backed up with any valid evidence. If there is any valid proof a standard Schwinn serial number is or was meant to be more than just an identification number, I sure would like to see it.
Another issue is the Ballooners taking on the name heavyweight. No such word in Schwinn's vocabulary, or other manufacturers of that time, just a name made up by the general public.

We have different interpretations...about the last few sentences that you mentioned.

Certificate states :
"This certificate is numbered and registered by Arnold, Schwinn & Co.
Sign & keep it in a safe place. It must accompany any part returned to us
for replacement and will then be returned to the owner".

This certificate is for proof of ownership . The number applies to the certificate only.

"This certificate will not be valid until we receive the attached registration card,
properly filled out by the original owner or purchaser".
This is where the serial number was entered !

My vehicle certificate of title has a number on the top right corner and different numbers
below this are the vin number -year model - make of vehicle.

I don't see a word by Schwinn on this certificate that states that the certificate number
& the Schwinn serial number are one & the same. You assume they are the same.
That is your interpretation & I have mine.

By the way...proof of purchase has been around long before you & I were hatched !

from Sears catalog 1941
I have other sales catalogs from 1890s
Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back with proof of purchase.
Also known as "receipt".

 

[Honestherman]

If Schwinn made some different models. For example Schwinn made the Cadillac Bike. Is the serial number on a pre 1951 Cadillac bike the same as a Schwinn bike. Is it read as Date of Manufacture the same way.
Thanks

 

[Freqman1]

The serial number is irrespective of the badge e.g. Cadillac badged bikes did not get seperate serial numbers although if built as a batch such as for Chicago Supply I suppose it is possible that these could have consecutive serial numbers. V/r Shawn

 

[Honestherman]

So you are saying that even though it is badged as Cadillac it is still a Schwinn and the serial number is a Schwinn which tells us the date it was made.
I have had other people say that Cadillac serial numbers are different than Schwinn and were re-used.
But your statement makes more sense to me and your statement is what I have believed.
Anyone have any other ideas?
Thanks

 

[scrubbinrims]

This is an awfully long thread without having any naked chicks on it or deep religious/political topics.
Chris

 

[2jakes]

This is an awfully long thread without having any naked chicks on it or deep religious/political topics.
Chris

Here you go...enjoy !

 

[scrubbinrims]

Here you go...enjoy !

Thanks, but those chicks are a little young for me.
However, my buddy in college had a saying "if there is grass on the field, play ball!"
Chris