Shelby Bike Serial Numbers

Before 1900 there were hundreds of companiesin the United States producing bicycles. Between about 1900 and the mid-1920sthe field narrowed considerably as companies like Schwinn and Westfield boughtout other makers but carried their brands forward. While some of the companieslisted here certainly predated balloon tire bicycles the following are the mostprolific builders of balloon tire bicycles.

• The Shelby Cycle Company is known for having produced some of the most desirable collector bicycles. In 1928 they manufactured and sold the “Lindy Flyer”, a bicycle with a Charles Lindbergh theme. In the late 1930’s they made the Shelby Speedline Airflo, a radically styled bike that is very sought after today.
• The serial number only was reset in September 1981 as the new version of the frame was released - the prefixe, where used and suffixes remained the same The location of the stamping of the serial number on the Series 2 frame was also changed somewhere between 918D and 9143D, there are NO frames we know of before 9143D that are stamped in the.
• Every bicycle has a unique serial number. To find the number you must look on the underside of the bike, underneath the pedals. People will spray paint a stolen bicycle to help conceal its identity. The paint not only hides the model and make of the bike but also the serial numbers and rust.

Following the story of eachmanufacturer is a list of some of thebadges known on the bikes. These listings are only examples as some companiesare known to have used hundreds of different badges. Distributors or retailerssuch as tire stores, department stores, hardware stores, or any number ofretail establishments that sold bicycles many times had their own badges made.It is important to understand that the badge was merely a brand and notnecessarily the manufacturer. For example the brand “Elgin” was used onbicycles Sears sold before World War II. Sears never made any of its own bicycles.Neither did Firestone, Goodyear, or B.F. Goodrich. In the case of the Elginbicycles many were made by Westfield but some made by Monark and Murray aswell. Colson, Monark, Cleveland Welding, and Schwinn made the bikes for thetire companies.

SUNBEAM FRAME NUMBER DATING. 1909 = 96,739 (declared) 1910 = 101,700 (calculated) 1911 = 106,700 (calculated) 1912 = 111,642 (declared) PREMIER FRAME NUMBER DATING. BEESTON HUMBER FRAME NUMBER DATING. ELSWICK HOPPER FRAME NUMBER DATING. The following dated bicycle frame numbers from the Singer Car Club (not guaranteed): 1903 – 142069. The serial number was on a chrome foil sticker with black lettering, installed on the metal just behind the fork attachment point. This serial number position was a standard thing for all Speedways. But they only used the foil sticker in 1970 (serial numbers mid 10,000 and less.) Frame differences in 1970 versus later 10' wheel bikes. If you search for 1234, you will only find bikes with serial numbers of 1234 and serials close to that - not a bike with serial number of 12345689. Okay, fine, so maybe there are a few bikes without serial numbers, but this is rare and typical only on hand made bikes or really old bicycles.

Schwinn

This post will contain links to serial number datatbases, pictures and anything else that will help to ID your old bike. This will be a work in progress so PM me any info you have that may help. Most links will be for outside sites. Find the serial number on the bike. Locations- under BB, dropouts, headtube, seatpost clamp.

Generally accepted as introducing the balloon tire bicycle to America Schwinn is probably the most recognized bicycle manufacturer in the world. The company was formed in 1895 by Ignaz Schwinn, a German immigrant, and along with the financial backing of Adolf Arnold formed Arnold, Schwinn & Co. in 1895. At one time Schwinn was also one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the United States having acquired both Excelsior (1912) and Henderson (1917). Schwinn designed and built some of the most iconic balloon tire bikes to include the Aerocycle, Autocycle, and Phantom. Although the Schwinn name survives the bicycles are now made in China.

Badges: Schwinn,The World, LaSalle, Lincoln, American Beauty, Cadillac, Ace, Henderson, Excelsior,Mission, American Flyer, Chicago, Admiral, Liberty, and hundreds of storebadges such as Beards (Evansville, IN), Lawlor’s (Lincoln, NE), and Tiger (G.W.Tiger & Sons–Colorado Springs, CO)

Cleveland Welding Company

Shelby Bicycle Serial Numbers

The Cleveland Welding Company is generally referred to as “CWC” by collectors started producing bicycles in September of 1935 and are probably best known for their Roadmaster line of bicycles. The “Y” frame Roadmaster Supremes of 1937 (aka Bug Eye) and 1938 (aka Four Gill) are some of the rarest and most sought after balloon tire bikes. The Roadmaster Luxury Liner is probably the most well-known model from this company and the “Shockmaster” is arguably one of the smoothest riding spring forks ever made. CWC was sold to AMF in 1951 but the Roadmaster brand lives on although these bicycles are now made in China.

Badges: Roadmaster, Supreme, Packard, Hiawatha, Ridewell, Ben Hur, All American, Trojan, Pilot, Hawthorne, Trail Blazer, Speed King, Vim, Movie Ace, Fleetwing, Champion

Monark

The Monark Silver King Inc. started as a battery manufacturer and began producing bicycles in 1935. What sets Monark apart from other manufacturers was their use of aluminum in construction of their bicycles as well as using a 24” wheel size on these bikes. It should be noted that aluminum had been used in bicycle construction starting in the 1890s. Monark introduced its steel framed bikes in 1938 which included such models as the “Superframe” Five Bar. It is their aluminum bikes though such as the Flocycle, Wingbar, and 26X that most collectors covet. Postwar Monarks include the popular aluminum “Hextube” and the Super Deluxe models.

Badges: MonarksSilver King, Montgomery Ward, Hawthorne, DeVega, Reggie McNamara, Ace,Mahowald, Airman, Firestone

Shelby

The Shelby Cycle Co. of Shelby, OH was formed in 1925 from the remnants of the Shelby Cycle Frame Builders. The Shelby Airflos (Speedlines) are considered some of the most outlandish designs of the late 1930s and are some of the most sought after balloon tire bikes among collectors. In 1949 Shelby built the Donald Duck bike featuring Donald Ducks head whose eyes were the lights. The company was sold briefly to Gambles in 1953 but within months sold to AMF. Badges: Shelby, Flying Cloud, Gambles, Hiawatha, Ideal, Safe-T-Bike, Speedway Special, Supreme, Fox, Western Flyer, Bird, Trojan, Eagle, Pirate

H.P. Snyder

The relationship between the H.P. Snyder Co. and the D.P.Harris Company is one of the more unusual arrangements in bicycle history. Sometimein the early 1900s a partnership was formed between Snyder and Harris wherebySnyder would build the bicycle and Harris distribute them. Harris was also amanufacturer of bicycle parts and ball bearings and its own product line was calledRollfast. Harris distributed the Snyder bikes under the Rollfast name as wellas many others. Snyder built bikes were also sold through Montgomery Warddepartment stores. While Rollfast bikes were high quality machines their designwas decidedly more conservative than a lot of their contemporaries. Anexception would be the Hopalong Cassidy bikes complete with conchos, fringe,and a simulated horse hair saddle. The Rollfast name would continue until 1975when the Snyder Co. finally closed and the relationship between Snyder andHarris was dissolved.

Badges: Rollfast, Roamer, Black Beauty, Ben Hur, Lexington, Peerless, Cadet, Athlete, Standard, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Savage, Rex, Blue Ribbon, Keystone, Gold Medal, Hawthorne, Montgomery Ward, Overland, Winchester, Hopalong Cassidy

Westfield

The Westfield Manufacturing Co. of Westfield, MA has originsdating back to 1877 with the founding of the Pope Manufacturing Co. Many brandswere manufactured under Westfield but their in-house brand was Columbia. Westfieldbought many bicycle companies such as Miami who made the Flying Merkel, andRacycle among others. Some of the most desirable balloon tire bikes ever madewere produced by Westfield for Sears under the Elgin brand to include theBluebird, Skylark, and Robin. Westfield was also the primary contractor formaking bicycles for Hendee/Indian Motocycle Co. until World War II. The companyenjoyed postwar success but like other American companies succumbed to importsand production cost and ceased operations in 1987.

/games-for-drastic-ds-emulator.html. Badges: Columbia, Westfield, Elgin, Corsair, Seminole,Indian, Viking, Tribune, Derby, Fleetwing, Imperial, Crescent, Flying Merkel,Racycle, Sterling, Stormer, Rambler, Waverly

Iver Johnson

Initially formed as Johnson and Bye & Co. in 1871 in Worchester,MA the company was renamed Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycles Works when it wasmoved to Fitchburg, MA in 1891. Iver Johnson bicycles were typically high grademachines and manufactured most of the parts for their bicycles rather thanrelying on other manufacturers. The Super Mobike featured stainless fenders, anoctagonal battery tank, a unique crank assembly, and a hornlight. Iver Johnsonceased bicycle production in 1941.

Badge: IverJohnson

Huffman Manufacturing/Huffy

The Huffman Manufacturing Company began producing bicyclesin 1934 in Dayton, OH. While its initial offerings were rather plain by 1936the company introduced some exceedingly stylish bikes such as the SafetyStreamline followed by the Super Streamline bicycles. In 1938 Huffman introducedthe “Twin Flex” which was a full suspension bike (front and rear springs). The1940/1 Champion and Mainliner lines are also very popular with collectors.Huffman was one of two manufacturers to produce bikes for the war effort(Westfield was the other) and these military models are highly sought after.The company changed its name to Huffy in 1977 but the bicycles had been brandedas Huffy since 1953. Although the Huffy brand still exists all production is inChina.

Badges: Huffman, Huffy,Dayton, National, LaFrance, Dixie Flyer, Airflyte, National, Snell, Davisflyer, Chieftan, Indian, Belknap, Firestone, Everbest

Colson Corporation

The Colson Corporation was located in Elyria, OH andmanufactured bicycles form 1917 to 1953. In 1954 the Evans Products Companybought the bicycle division from Colson and Evans-Colson bicycles were solduntil 1962. Some of the more interesting bicycles produced were the Hi-Lo whichcontained a rudimentary two speed transmission in the crank hanger and wasshifted by a shifter mounted to the frame. Colson produced some of the mostoutrageous paint schemes in the 1930s on its top-of-the-line Commanders andImperials. Colson used a suspension consisting of rubber cushion(s) on some ofits top models. Colson produced models for both Goodyear and Firestoneincluding exclusive designs such as the Double Eagle (aka Clipper) for Goodyearand the Super Cruiser (aka Bull Nose) for Firestone.

Badges: Colson,Scout, Vogue (girls models), Double Eagle and Double Eagle Deluxe (Goodyear),Firestone Cruiser and Super Cruiser, Wings, Rover, Packard, Pilot, Flying Ace,Olympic, Champion, Lincoln

Murray Ohio Co.

The Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company was formed in 1919 inCleveland, OH. Initially the company made automobile parts but by the mid-1930swas producing bicycles, primarily, for Sears. In 1939 Murray introduced thePacemaker at the World’s Fair held in New York. The bicycle was designed byfamed industrial artist and designer Viktor Schreckengost. Murray continued toproduce bicycles after the war for Sears and others with such notable musclebikes as the Eliminator and Wildcat. In the late 1980s Murray was sold to aBritish investment company and by 1999 bicycle production ceased.

Badges: Murray,Mercury, Elgin, Western Flyer, PENCO, J.C. Higgins, Sears

Manton-Smith

Manton and Smith was a Chicago, IL ornamental iron companythat started building bike frames for other companies in the early 20’s. Fromabout 1936 to 1953 the company manufactured its own line of bicycles. Among themore interesting features found on some Manton Smiths is the fork lock brazedto the head tube. Manton Smith also employed a unique spring fork. The prewar “GoldenZephyr” was perhaps their finest model. Like other bikes of the time they were soldthrough distributors and retailers and a variety of head badges can be found onthese bikes although they are fairly obscure.

Shelby Bike Serial Numbers

Badges: Manton-Smith,Gold Eagle Pacer, Gold Eagle Bike-Lok, Gold Eagle Special, Silver Shield(Western Tire and Auto), Seneca, Ranger