schwinn serial number id

[Niftyirish]

Trying to date a schwinn black phantom. Serial number on left rear drop out F 4050

 

[NLCTVWguy]

That doesn't appear to be a complete number. Sometimes stamps are faint, sometimes they get lost in heavy paint. Make sure the fender stays aren't obscuring any additional numbers.

A very early frame might have the code under the bottom bracket so check there as well.

Happy to help with it if I can. A picture of the bike is always good too.

--Rob

Trying to date a schwinn black phantom. Serial number on left rear drop out F 4050

 

[Niftyirish]

Thanks for the response. The number is clear and doesn't appear to have anything behind the fender stays. I have pictures but I can't seem to be able to post them. I'll remove the fender stays and check again. I'll also try to post pics
George

 

[Wildcat]

If you're sure there's nothing before the F, it's probably late 52 with a digit missing, if it looks like there was a number in front of the F, maybe a late 57.

 

[Niftyirish]

Hey,
Thanks for your help with my question. My grandson just called and found the paperwork when the bike was purchased. The serial number is F40504 which I think would make it Nov. 1952 if I'm reading the chart right.
Can you believe that? original paperwork including the Invoice, catalog, warranty etc.
I wanted one of these so bad when I was a kid. Now I have to see what I can do about cleaning it up. It's in pretty good shape. But I know I'm going to need a lot of help.
Any advice on how to do this?
Thanks again,
George