The Sterling - what is it?

[prburns]

I recently acquired an old bike. The badge says "The Sterling" and indicates it was manufactured in Westfield, Mass. It also says "Built like a watch". The down tube has the model name "Special" painted on it.

What do I have here? How can I find out the year of manufacture? Are there pictures available so I may see what it is supposed to look like?

The bike is in only fair condition at best. The rims look pretty rusted out. If I wanted to clean this up (not a full restore) what is the best way to deal with the rust?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[old hotrod]

Made by Westfield...there is a serial number list...and pictures would help

 

[Mercian]

Picture Credit: Krakatoa

Hi, and Welcome @prburns

We really need at least a picture to do something, and preferably the serial number too.

Above is a Westfield built Sterling from January 1937. Below is a link to another Westfield Sterling from about March 1937. You can see that they are entirely different, though built at the same time.

1937 Westfield Sterling-badged Model B85 Road Racer | Vintage Lightweight Bicycles

Howdy folks- Does anyone have one of these? It's a 1937 Westfield Sterling-badged Model B85 Road Racer. I've got most of the other parts including fenders, chainring and cranks, bars, stem, etc. Serial number is B61056. It's super light and the tapered seat tube and pencil seat stays are wild...

thecabe.com

You will find the serial numbers stamped on the bottom of the frame, underneath where the crank is. There will be two, one long one starting with a letter, then 4, 5 àr 6 numbers (like B123456), and another short one above it, a letter, with one or two numbers (like D12). You can see an example of he long serial number in the post above. Please do not scrape the paint off to find the numbers!

These will date it to the month it was made.

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[prburns]

Thanks. I tried to attach a picture, but was unsuccessful. I'll try again.

 

[prburns]

the serial number is E378848 with G4 above the number

 

[piercer_99]

I am thinking 1940.

 

[Mercian]

Thanks @prburns

G4 means that the frame was made in April1940. E378848 is too long, so please could you check? I'm guessing it's E37848, which would fit in with other bicycles with G4 date stamps, and would mean it was built up into a bike April-May 1940.

The only other Lady's Sterling I have listed is this one from 1941, which is similar, but has the tank, so was probably a slightly higher specification version.

SOLD! Survivor! OG 1941 Ladies Westfield Sterling | Sell - Trade: Bicycle Parts, Accessories, Ephemera

For Sale, I have this totally original survivor, 99% perfectly complete 1941 Westfield Sterling! MECHANICALLY LIKE-NEW! I have never seen a more complete and straight bicycle! Every nut and bolt is there, and was carefully removed and cleaned. Other than the chrome issues, the bike is...

thecabe.com

I hope this helps,

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[prburns]

You are correct, the serial number is actually E37848. Thanks for the info!

Pat