1959 JC Higgins Semi-Equipped Sport Middleweight value?

[Bike from the Dead]

I'm trying to figure out what year this Murray-built JC Higgins bike was made, but so far I've had no luck decoding the serial number or finding photos of this bike in any catalogs. I want to say it's a mid-50s model, but I don't know. It has chain/seat stays wide enough for balloon tires, but with middleweight fender mounts. It uses the older style of dropouts without the "swoop" found on later middleweight Murrays. And there's no model name on the chain guard or elsewhere on the bike; just "JC Higgins."

I'd also like to know what this bike may be worth, as I'm trying to decided if I want to keep it or sell it. From what I can tell, it's all original down to the matching Sears Allstate Safety Tread tires. Nothing's locked up, and I bet it'd take little more than cleaning and repacking the bearings to be a smooth rider once again.

Here's the serial number from under the bottom bracket. From what I can read, it says: 46861Y MOD502 (could also be MOD562, but I don't know. The 2 is pretty messed up as well.) 136664.

Any help identifying and evaluating this bike is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[twojs.bike]

Wow! That looks to be in great shape. And such a simple bike. My kind of bike. Personally I think it would be a shame to modify that. I would just clean it up and make it a rider. But this is ratrod bikes. Do whatever you want! It’s yours.

What’s it worth? In my opinion , I have come to realize 99.8% of all used bikes are worth diddly squat at best. At least in terms of $$. The real value is your own enjoyment and appreciation. Anyone trying to turn a profit with used bikes is fighting a losing battle.

Love the bike!!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Wow! That looks to be in great shape.

I was genuinely surprised by just how intact this JC Higgins was, especially considering how I found it!

And such a simple bike. My kind of bike. Personally I think it would be a shame to modify that. I would just clean it up and make it a rider. But this is ratrod bikes. Do whatever you want! It’s yours.

The only way I thought about modifying it was to bolt on a chrome rear rack to balance out the rack up front, and throw some fresh whitewall tires on it. Other than that, keep it clean and make it functional.

What’s it worth? In my opinion , I have come to realize 99.8% of all used bikes are worth diddly squat at best. At least in terms of $$.

Really? Even vintage and antique bikes? Not sure I agree with you there, not after all the bicycle swap meets and sales/trades I've done over the years.

The real value is your own enjoyment and appreciation. Anyone trying to turn a profit with used bikes is fighting a losing battle.

Love the bike!!

Well here's the thing: as nice of a bike as this is, I don't want another restoration project, especially not in red. I've already got more factory red bikes than I'd ever want, but I also don't want to mess up the nice paint and patina this bike has. I'm a customizer at heart, but I also care about preservation as well. I'm thinking about selling this bike to someone who'd like it better than I do, so I can use the money to fix up and customize the bikes I appreciate more.

Glad you like it though!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Okay, I think I have the bike identified thanks to the folks on The Cabe. Looks like it's a Semi-Equipped Sport Middleweight JC Higgins from 1959.
Mine's missing the original seat, pedals and headlight based on the Sears catalog photo, but is otherwise factory correct.

Now I just have to find out what it's worth.

 

[Wildcat]

You'll probably be disappointed to find what you can get for it. A 65 year old American made bike, original, should go for a lot more.

Your plan to keep it is probably best. New tires and tubes and lubed up is a good plan. The handlebar stem looks like it's past it's height limit, unless it's not a standard stem.

 

[Bike from the Dead]

You'll probably be disappointed to find what you can get for it. A 65 year old American made bike, original, should go for a lot more.

Your plan to keep it is probably best. New tires and tubes and lubed up is a good plan. The handlebar stem looks like it's past it's height limit, unless it's not a standard stem.

Well that's why I'd like to find out what it's worth, disappointment or not. If I can sell it for a price I'm happy with, then I'll sell it, but if not, then I'll look through my inventory for something else I can sell instead.

I will say that after learning more about this bike today, and just knowing how uncommon this type of frame is, it is a cool Murray to have in my collection.