The 1937 model uses the aforementioned ‘fastback” frame which
was first introduced in 1936. The frame was used for models such as the Sport or Comet
and was used all the way through 1939 (but only ’37 for Zeps). The frame was built by H.P. Snyder who distributed most of their product through D.P. Harris as Rollfast models. There are a couple of ways to determine if the bike is a Zep. First all 1937 models were black with white
trim and red pinstripes. If the bike is any other color it is not a Zep. Secondly if the fork is present it must have a fork lock which was internal to these forks. There are two varieties of the 1937 bike, an early and a late bike. The early bike uses a frame without the dropstand ‘ears’ on the dropouts and angular truss rods. The late bike uses a frame with the built
in drop stand ears as well as curved truss rods.
For 1938 things become a little more complicated. The Zep was now offered in a couple different colors as well as being made by both Snyder and Cleveland Welding Co. (CWC). While the catalog only list the bike in black and white there are cream and black versions as well. The bikes could also be ordered with a New Departure front brake and two speed as shown on the above bike. All Zeps still had a locking fork but now it is the external type typically seen on CWC products that uses a Wise key. This lock was used on both the Snyder and CWC bikes. The frames between both makers are very similar but two quick tells will be the serial number and the rear fender bridge. The serial numbers of CWC have a distinctive font as well as the numbers are pretty well known as far as dating the bikes and the serial will likely start with “B”, “C”, or “D”. The rear fender bridge on a CWC will be straight across vice a round fender bridge as found on the Snyder built bikes.
Vintage Blue 26' Hawthorne Montgomery Ward Bike Bicycle. Vintage Hawthorne Montgomery Ward Bike Bicycle. Up for your viewing is a very nice Vintage and what I believe is a Hawthorne Montgomery Bicycle that I picked up at an Estate Auction. There is no name tag on it that I can see and not sure of the exact age.
- All I can find on the Montgomery ward hawthorne bicycle is this l158871 number and it has a Chicago 7, ILL. Stamped on front! Any information on this bike would be appreciated thank you!!
- Aug 27, 2019 Montgomery Ward Hawthorne Bicycle Serial Numbers. Using crack, serial number, registration code, keygen and other warez or nulled soft is illegal (even downloading.
- Index to all major bicycle brands and manufacturers covered at Dave's Vintage Bicycles. Dave's Vintage Bicycles Research and identify American made vintage and antique bicycles from the 1880's through the 1980's.
For 1939 Wards again used both Snyder and CWC products. To complicate things even further though Wards sold bikes (not just Zeps) with the, new for ’39, CWC shockmaster fork (pic). This fork was optional so you will find Zeps made by both Snyder and CWC equipped with either truss or spring forks. The bikes could also be equipped with either “streamlined” handlebars or “steerhorn” handlebars and also a two speed was available. The frame for the ’39 Zep uses a double bar design. Similar models used this frame but the Zep frame will have two holes on the bar under the tank to mount the battery tray (pic) whereas the other models will not have these holes. Like the ’38 models the Zep will have the external fork lock and be fully equipped. While there are small differences between the fenders and other things on the ’39 models the maker (Snyder or CWC) can be determined the same way as a ’38 model although the serial for a CWC bike will likely start with either a “D” or “E”. Like previous years the catalog only list the Zep in black and white although both blue and red bikes with white trim are found as well. Of the three years the ’39 is generally the more desirable due to its double bar frame and unique tank design with the lit reflectors in the side.
Like most deluxe bikes of the era none of these will be inexpensive and nice original bikes will always command a premium. I would caution against buying project bikes as parts have gotten terribly expensive and building one of these from a frameset could easily cost two to three times the worth of the bike when finished. If buying a restored bike there is no way to know for certain if the bike truly began as a Zep unless the seller has pre-restoration pictures that indicate it was a Zep. Hopefully these few words arm you with enough information to pick out a real Zep. Enjoy the ride! Shawn
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.
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.
Schwinn
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
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.
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
Montgomery Ward Hawthorne Bicycle Serial Numbers Location
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.
Montgomery Ward Hawthorne Bicycle Serial Numbers Chart
Badges: Manton-Smith,Gold Eagle Pacer, Gold Eagle Bike-Lok, Gold Eagle Special, Silver Shield(Western Tire and Auto), Seneca, Ranger