Hawthornes were supplied to Montgomery Ward by various manufacturers. Early prewar balloon bikes seem to have serial numbers not specifically coded to M-W. Later prewar models have serial numbers which may cross manufacturer?s lines and relate to codes specific to M-W. Either way I don?t believe any lists of serial numbers for M-W are readily available. If you post a picture of the bike with detail shots of the frame (The crank hanger from above and below, rear drop outs and the upper rear fender bridge are useful) the model and year can probably be deduced. Hi, Thanks for posting the photos. Your Hawthorne is definitely prewar and is one of the models made for Montgomery Ward by Cleveland Welding.

That frame style typically dates to 1938-1939 but I think yours is later. Hawthorne used three different chain rings on their full size prewar balloon models, the?snowflake? And the?torque-star? The torque-star chain ring didn?t appear until 1940 so if it is original to your bike that would date it to 1940-1942. As for serial numbers you have plenty to choose from.

Sony mhc 801 service manual pdf. I believe the?H? Number is the CWC serial number. It is hard to read, my interpretation being H06958. I have a girl?s CWC Western Flyer in my collection that is H88113. It is a 1941-1942 model. From the above evidence I would call your bike a 1941 and guess it was probably made between late 1940 and the end of prewar production sometime in very early 1942. If my assumptions are right, your bike would prove that this style frame remained in production longer than any previous evidence I have seen would suggest.

The other numbers could be several things. One possibility is the LPD number refers to a police department.

You could be the proud owner of this vintage blue and grey Montgomery Ward Hawthorne ladies bicycle. This steel ladies bicycle was handmade in the U.S.A. Hawthorne Bicycle was distributed by Montgomery Ward from 1934-1960 through their stores and catalog sales. These bikes were mainly produced by the Cleveland Welding Company. Jan 14, 2012  1947 Montgomery Wards Hawthorne Bicycle classicautofan1. Unsubscribe from classicautofan1? A beautiful and highly optioned 1947 CWC-built.

Sometimes stolen or abandoned bikes were re-numbered by police departments before being sold at auction. Some of the other over-stamps may have to do with Montgomery Ward numbering for their record keeping. As I noted in my first post, earlier CWC numbers seem to follow a more straight-forward pattern than later prewar numbers. If more people will post crank hanger/serial number photos, comparisons will lead to more general knowledge on the subject. Your bike looks to be generally original with an accessory rack. I can?t tell from the photo if the broad box pinstripe around the badge is original or an addition. I have not seen this on a Hawthorne but I have a base model CWC Western Flyer that has a similar stripe.

In that case it was a less expensive paint treatment than head darts. Thanks again for the photos Phil. I actually think it is earlier than '41-42. The straight down tube and twin curving top bars are all indications of an earlier frame, most likely '39, 1940 at the latest. That brake arm is the clincher. That is definitely '30s.