Hiawatha Heavy Duty Bike - 1948

[MazdaFlyer]

Hauled this skiptooth Hiawatha badged bicycle home from a flea market today. Seems to be an original paint bike that was well taken care of. Assuming the tires are original and checked but holding air. Weighs a ton. Still has garage storage grit on it.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Any age ideas? Cleveland Welding, Shelby, Murray or Huffman build?


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[kingfish254]

Cool score.
Definitely and Huffy (Huffman) built frame.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Serial: 8H027323
A few details...

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[kingfish254]

Huffman built for sure. Probably early to mid 40s. What does the guard look like?

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Huffman built for sure. Probably early to mid 40s. What does the guard look like?

I saw one Huffman serial number related post on the CABE that indicated 1948 based on the 8Hxxxxxxx?


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[MattiThundrrr]

The way the curved top tube flows into the curved seat stay....purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

 

[Brian macumber]

Nice score

 

[deorman]

Mmmm, 40 pounds of all American goodness.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Huffman built for sure. Probably early to mid 40s. What does the guard look like?

I saw another posting of a frame that looked identical to this one claiming it to be Dayton which I guess could have meant Huffy.

The way the curved top tube flows into the curved seat stay....purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

It does have smooth lines.

Nice score

I debated, sure don’t need it but the paint, details and condition won me over. I’ll probably clean it up. Not one of the rare sought after bikes but it’s special in its own way.

Mmmm, 40 pounds of all American goodness.

Maybe more than 40#, think it’s the heaviest bike I’ve lifted. Seemingly build like a tank...USA pounds.



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[deorman]

I didn't account for the rack and basket.

 

[Wildcat]

Either 48 or 58 by the serial number. The chain guard and chain wheel look more 48 than 58.

1948:

1958:

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Either 48 or 58 by the serial number. The chain guard and chain wheel look more 48 than 58.

1948:

1958:

Hey thanks for the comparison photos!
The fender stays and fork crown match the green one as well. I’ll go with ‘48 at this point.
Interesting that they looked about the same for 10 years at least.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Found this link interesting.

https://vintageamericanbicycles.com/index.php/serial-number-lists/


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[RustyGold]

'49 (late '48) was the first year for the 'fits-sooner' frame.

 

[MazdaFlyer]

'49 (late '48) was the first year for the 'fits-sooner' frame.

Fits-Sooner...??? Enlighten me.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Hiawatha Challenger Model 40, 1948.
Catalog info link:
http://www.nostalgic.net/1948-huffman-catalog


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[RustyGold]

Fits-Sooner...??? Enlighten me.

'49 new frame in which the intermediate bar meets the top bar at the seat tube. Supposedly allows kids to move up to a big 26" bike at a younger age

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I removed the basket for easier storage. The rear rack must have been a motorcycle accessory. The metal stock measures out at 0.137” thick including paint. The paint appears to be original with a few old touch-up spots. Anxious to at least give it a soap and water wash, 35 degrees today though.

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[Degoragon]

very nice Hiawatha!