Hi I came across an awesome old woman’s Schwinn. The bike was found in the rafters of a Wisconsin barn. Tucked away and forgotten about. I bought it from a friend of the farmers who discovered the bike while helping the friend clean out his barn.
I did some research on it. I’ll tell you what I think I know. I’d love if the experts would confirm what I’ve found out about the bike and also share any further information anyone may know about it. I’m really excited about this find. I love the history and beauty of these extraordinary old bikes.
Below is a photo of the bike sitting on my kitchen table being photographed. I photographed it in dirt, rust, dust, and grime just the way it was found. I think it makes a nice centerpiece for my kitchen table! lol
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Bikes Unite, on Flickr
Here is the bike a bit closer.
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I've identified the bike as an Excelsior. Below are some photos with identifying marks:
Here I can make out the lettering located on the very top bar of the frame.
20130727_211658 by
Bikes Unite, on Flickr
Below is the head badge. Underneath the large X reads Excelsior followed by Arnold Schwinn. Chicago USA is inscribed on the bottom in all caps. I have read some postings across the net that state that the badge on this bike was only made one year in 1936. I am lead to believe that the bike is from that year. Does anyone know if this fact about the badge being from the year 1936 only is correct? Also, please help me to find other identifiers on this bike that will help verify the age. Am I correct to say that this is a pre war bike?
20130727_213647 by
Bikes Unite, on Flickr
Here you see the Serial Number located underneath the bike on the bottom bracket. It reads D87981. What can the serial number tell me about this bike? Anything? I know a lot of Schwinns serial numbers for older bikes were destroyed.
20130727_214058 by
Bikes Unite, on Flickr
One of the cooler things about the bike is that it is equipped with a front Spring and a lock. Cool! I believe that these were both options that could be put on the bike. So it is kind of special that this bike has these two things.
20130727_211634 by
Bikes Unite, on Flickr
Here is a closer look at the springer. Does a springer bike really absorb shock? Was it effective for a smoother ride. Why don't we see springer bikes manufactured today? What technology has replaced this?
20130727_212206 by
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Notice that the bolts in this photo are engraved with the letters SD. There are bolts throughout the bike stamped like this. Anyone know what the letters stand for? I'm guessing Schwinn something?
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I love the lock and key. I think that it is one of the coolest things about the bike. It's awesome that the key is still in it but it seems to be stuck! I'll try degreesing and see if I cant wiggle it lose. From what I read you could lock the bike so that it would not role. Then someone could not role it away. I imagine that may have been pretty effective security for this type of bike. I would have liked to see someone try to carry it off. It's quite heavy! Ha! This side of key reads: MADE IN U.S.A. FOR ARNOLD SCHWINN & CO CHICAGO
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This side of key reads: THE YALE & TOWN MFG. CO YALE AN252
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I'm not sure about this next photo. Looks different from any Schwinn set up I've seen.
20130727_211744 by
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Notice the peculiar holes along the sides of the back fender. I looked into this and it seems the there would have been strings threaded threw the holes of the fender to create a guard in order that the woman's skirt would not get caught up in the spokes.
20130727_213833 by
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The skirt guard would have looked something like the photo below:
skirt guard by
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I noticed the the frame joints are not smooth. I wonder if the frame was hand welded together?
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Side view of pedal
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The design of the seat is very interesting. I wonder if the spring on the tip of the seat was there to absorb shock as well?
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This is the stamp on the cushion of the seat. It reads MESINGER B DE LUX 4 NO. 15854105 (from what I can make out)
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I wonder if the tires are original. They say US ROYAL MASTER MADE IN USA
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Thanks for checking out my bike. I really hope to hear some of your comments about it. If you want to look at additional photos, they can be seen on my flicker page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41637726@N02/sets/72157634831456400/Also, would any know what the bike is worth and is there a market for this bike?
Thank you,
Amanda Martinez