Prewar Mercury

[marius.suiram]

I got this bike today.
Looks to be a prewar bike.
Any idea how should I identify the year? Where should be the serial number situated? The frame is repainted.
I know the wheels are not original, the rear is a 2 speed kickback red band. The seat is not original too.
What about the fenders or the neck and bars.
Any picture how should the bike look original?

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[marius.suiram]

Anyway it has some good parts there: the 2 speed hub; the pedals which are beat up a little, but somebody in the job can make them nice; the kick stand.

 

[RustyGold]

'38 most likely, serial would confirm.

 

[sandman]

Mercury was Murray's house brand during the pre war era . So you might want to look at some of the Murray built Elgins to compare ?

 

[RustyGold]

General rule is...
Split chainstay to BB transition = '38-'39
Box chainstay to BB transition = '39-'40
Curved downtube = '40-'41

Zerks = Elgin