I know it's old- but what is it?

[ferdy]

I recently picked up this pre-war lady's frame and will be restoring it to "period" correct-ness. The serial # appears to be G 86271. There are no holes for a head badge. The neck tube is almost 7 inches and the frame is solid. Ignore the lower truss-rod bracket- it is not part of the original package. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks! Fred

 

[M.Martian]

I've got a Cleveland branded women's that looks very similar.

I was told it was a Westfield built. If the morrow hub that came with it is original, then it's a 1933 which does fit with the styling.

The wheels that are in the picture are 700c so it was a 28" bike.

 

[RustySprockets]

Early 1930's Elgin Swallow? The chain ring on yours looks VERY early to me. The little tabs along the fender's edge were laced with cord to create a skirt guard.

 

[ferdy]

I've got a Cleveland branded women's that looks very similar.

I was told it was a Westfield built. If the morrow hub that came with it is original, then it's a 1933 which does fit with the styling.

The wheels that are in the picture are 700c so it was a 28" bike.

Yours does look pretty close. Mine came without wheels so there is no hub to check. My fork does not have the ridges that yours does. What's the serial # on yours? Thanks for the help!
Fred

 

[ferdy]

Early 1930's Elgin Swallow? The chain ring on yours looks VERY early to me. The little tabs along the fender's edge were laced with cord to create a skirt guard.

Looks like the frame on mine spreads more in the front? Anyone have a picture of what the string slips into on the bottom of the skirt guard? I was thinking the sprocket and crank looks very early as well.
Fred

 

[Rustinkerer]

"G'' was 1929 for Westfield/Columbia. Check out Mr. Columbia's site for more info. Also, most Elgins built from 20s-38 were made bt Westfield. -Adam

 

[ferdy]

"G'' was 1929 for Westfield/Columbia. Check out Mr. Columbia's site for more info. Also, most Elgins built from 20s-38 were made bt Westfield. -Adam

Thank you Adam- I'll check out Mr Columbia.
Fred

 

[RustySprockets]

Yes, there was a hooked ring on each side that the cording was tied to. I guess the owner could unhook the cords when performing service and then reattach them. I will seek a photo and add it here if I find one. Most are too distant from the bike to see details clearly.

Here's a '37 with some very elaborate lacing, almost like macramé. Most bikes were a simple out-n-back pattern. You can kinda see the attachment ring where the laces all come together above the dropout.

This one is said to be a '33. Notice the difference in frame bracing compared to the '37?