Got a derby and a??? What years are they?

[dragn91]

Got the first bike today from a buddy clearing a lot I think it's supposed to have a tank. It's a derby. Cool kinda loop frame rear. Chainguard seems wrong. Anyone know the year? The other is spray painted over badge that's just square and nothing on it. My buddy pulled it out of a scrap dumpster for me.I put the wheels and bars on it just because I had them. Also wondering the manufacturer and estimated year. Maybe possible values I'm into both of them for exactly zero dollars so I think I did ok.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Seems like pretty good stuff, considering the source. I don't know much, but that Looptail is a seriously cool frame

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Found it for you, here of course! Colson Derby
http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/colson-grillnose.63551/

 

[RustyGold]

Derby was the Pep Boys brand.

The other one looks to be Murray built.

 

[RustyGold]

The Colson looptail frames started on '41 and were in production to at least the early to mid 50s (I think '54 ).

 

[RustyGold]

The lug at the junction of the top tube and seat mast means something as to year. I think it was sometime around '50-'52-ish.

 

[Wildcat]

Mid 50's Murray Aeroline:

The serial number should show a MO with the third letter the year. MOP is 1950, MOQ 1951, MOR is 1952 etc to the late 50's. Then it's a little different.

 

[dragn91]

Thanks for the help. These two along with about 6 others will be sold off soon. I don't have the room for them unfortunately.