Would you buy a frame or bike that the seller refuses to share the serial numbers?

[Dra]

Altered serial numbers are only done for one reason well maybe two. To make it something it’s not. Look at fender and Gibson guitars. I’ll sell you a bluebird I have 2,500 of them with the same number but who cares

 

[Archie Sturmer]

On some bicycle purchases, I find out what the serial number is when I open the box, inspection upon delivery.
The sales were never contingent upon what the actual serial numbers were, or whether or not they were findable or legible.
On some bikes/frames, I still can’t find a serial number, and do not know what some found serials might specifically mean. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/elgin-cardinal.202327/

 

[buickmike]

the serial numbers will help me to match the parts I'm looking for. They have to be close to my year.

 

[Dra]

I have a cherry flying cloud I believe it’s a 1923 and from the original owner

 

[Freqman1]

I have a cherry flying cloud I believe it’s a 1923 and from the original owner

View attachment 1547148

To me that is damage and not something I would want. On a lot of the stuff I collect a number is important to make sure it is what the seller thinks it is. V/r Shawn

 

[Dra]

I think I’ll just buy another frame and put all the stuff off the bike I bought that has altered numbers and list it for sale. Wait isn’t that what people do to their neighbors 1967 vette

 

[Archie Sturmer]

The scratched-up flying cloud serial might start with an M for ~1935; sometimes in person inspection is better than internet photos, for trying to read serials.
For 2 bikes at the same price, I would prefer the one with the serials still intact.
I might value a less-common 28" Shelby motorbike over a more-common Westfield-built (Sears Elgin), but then I already have Westfield & Elgin motorbikes.

In Shelby’s application for the flying cloud trademark 652,552— Shelby professed use since on or about June 1, 1934.
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/early-shelby-flying-could-badge.200983/#post-1366102

 

[Dra]

This bike came off of eBay he also had a 1890’s chainless rambler and a complete unrestored Hawthorne but parts are parts he was selling for his in-laws. Also some nos single tube tires but everyone is super stoked but the original owner wow man why not have another bud Shelby bought flying cloud may 23,1923

 

[Dra]

Would you chance buying this bike frame on eBay without a picture of the numbers #255085451830 and the guy I got the flying cloud from is fe4de

 

[Cooper S.]

Sure. There’s always some concern that someone’s gonna try and screw you over by claiming it’s theirs and stolen or something.