This old bike has been in my grandparents shed for years. Me and my dad have been trying and failing to figure out what it is.
Any ideas fellow gearheads?
Hi @Adam77!
One of our members wrote a comment via Facebook post: "I have similar; mine is a ww2 era solid steel skip-tooth chain (i think; very low res photo). Probably a Hawthorne. Heavy AF. Get you a gentle wire brush on the head badge and chain guard, you might get some more clues."
(02-29-2024, 07:22 PM)Nicholas Wrote: Hi @Adam77!
One of our members wrote a comment via Facebook post: "I have similar; mine is a ww2 era solid steel skip-tooth chain (i think; very low res photo). Probably a Hawthorne. Heavy AF. Get you a gentle wire brush on the head badge and chain guard, you might get some more clues."
Hello,
Just a quick note: NEVER USE A WIRE BRUSH ON A HEAD BADGE!! They are often made of brass (or other soft metals) and will be needlessly scratched upon cleaning. Best bet (but still not recommended unless badge was painted over or you have previous experience) is to use a mild chemical cleaner or extra fine grade bronze wool with light pressure to remove unwanted paint/corrosion. Without seeing the actual badge it is hard to recommend the best cleaning procedure regarding the material and its preservation. I work on bikes over 100 years old and have decades of experience in restoration of older bikes (and other items made of steel, brass, bronze, aluminium, wood, leather, etc.).
Take care,
Jesper
"I am become Death, the destroyer of bicycles." NJS