What model Schwinn is this?

[BrianInPA]

View attachment 2237518Oh ok, I missed that S

 

[GTs58]

Brian,

It is generally accepted that the first Schwinn tubular S-2 rim was delivered in 1948. It did NOT have knurling. From your pictures, it looks like the black pinstriping is painted over what could be knurling. Can you tell if there actually is knurling under the enamel?

The pinstriping looks like it’s done with a pinstriping wheel.

 

[AS-1]

The pinstriping looks like it’s done with a pinstriping wheel.

I've never seen a serrated pinstriping wheel. All the wheels in my set are smooth.

What about that Hi-Tensile stamping????????

 

[AS-1]

Oh, now I get what you meant. Yes, absolutely a wheel, not a brush.

 

[Porkchop & Applesauce]

I’ve never seen the Hi-Tensile stamp either! Very curious about this!

 

[Porkchop & Applesauce]

This bike is like the missing link between 1948 and 1949! First one I’ve seen with a brazed on smaller 7/8” tube with a 1948 serial number, Hi-Tensile Schwinn tubular s2’s, and a crank sprocket that’s not seen until 49! Truly a great find!!

 

[BrianInPA]

Brian,

It is generally accepted that the first Schwinn tubular S-2 rim was delivered in 1948. It did NOT have knurling. From your pictures, it looks like the black pinstriping is painted over what could be knurling. Can you tell if there actually is knurling under the enamel?

Yes definitely appears to have that knurling

 

[AS-1]

Yes definitely appears to have that knurling

Fantastic! What a treat. Given the clues, your bike must be a 1949. I have done a little more research and, even though there is no concrete proof, the model number would be best called out as DB-12 as I have documentary evidence of the Model DB-13 on a dated partial price list Effective June 1, 1949. There is no good explanation for what appears to be scuff marks where a tank might have been, but that is one of those historic realities we can't control. Speculating on that is pointless.

On close examination of the 1950 Schwinn Dealer Catalog art work, the straight bar on the 1950 D-13 and the 1950 D-12 is attached to the seat tubes and down tubes respectively in the same way as is seen in my photographic example, a 1951 Hornet with serial number stamped on the BB.

I'm glad you found the bike. It is unique, almost totally original and definitely a keeper, unless of course you think you should sell it to me.

All the best,
Kit

Oh, one last thought; the serial number on your bike was stamped just 4 days before the death of our champion, Ignaz Schwinn.

 

[GTs58]

Yes definitely appears to have that knurling

On first produced S2's the knurling is on the inside of the rim. You'll need to take off the tire and rim strip to see it. I see no indication in your pictures that there is knurling on the outside face of the rim.
The face knurling location was not out from center of the rim to where it would be underneath the paint pins.

 

[AS-1]

I see no indication in your pictures

Brian is holding the rim and has stated that he sees knurling. Isn't that enough?