Details
Vintage 1930's Elgin Oriole.
Most likely an early 30's model, but its missing a few pieces. The original paint, red with white spears/details, is still mostly there, but its under a layer of a different red paint.
The bike is also missing the skiptooth chain, tires, original pedals (not sure on this one), and probably the stepped fenders. The rims are metal clad and seem original, but the rear hub is a New Departure model C with a model D brake arm.
The Troxel saddle looks good, without any tears or rips in the leather. Its drying out, with some cracks, but its rideable. It does have some white paint drips on it, similar to what's on the frame.
The handlebars, stem, and brace basically have no chrome left.
The chromium plated metal clad wood rims have very little chromium. Relatively straight and free of issues - other than finish - this is a decent pair of rims. New Departure Model M front hub with a model C rear hub.
Elgin crank and chainring. Good shape but missing any chrome.
Built by H.P Snyder. See the short lugs on the bottom bracket (crank hanger).
The Orioles were built by several manufacturers, including Westfield (who made the majority of them) and also H.P. Snyder. This bike is definitely an HP snyder – short bottom bracket lugs and the serial number denote this. The Snyders can't be dated by the serial number like the Westfields, so the date is a range rather than a year.
This bike was offered in several different packages, some years with as little as just a tire difference, others, starting in 1935, with 26” balloon tires or 27” English tires instead of the glue-on 28” wooden rim bikes.
Measurements:
Seat Tube:19", center to top
Top Tube: 22", center to center
Serial #A10502
Reference #14905
Additional Information
Manufacturer | Elgin |
---|---|
Color | Red |
Country of Origin | USA |
Used or New | Used |