What kind of bike did I just buy?

Advertise with us
Shop deals on ebay
Bike Wall
Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum

Help Support Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Vintagebikelover24

Vintagebikelover24

Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
414
Reaction score
59
Location
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
bought a bike off of panelman today, well i sent the money out today. He says it's a pre-war Mercury. I can't seem to find any type of serial number chart for them. I just need som help!!! I have no pics but the post is still in the for sale section under, "prewar mercury parts"
The serial number he gave me is:
M0483
It sure looks pre-war! but I know nothing about Mercury... All information is greatly appreciated.

Some pics panelman had posted of it.
BDDFA713-B09C-4BB4-8A1E-0CD6DBFF71FC-4766-00000459EBB117EA.jpg

5958157A-CA19-423C-96DB-830073805CD5-4766-00000459F0565EF2.jpg

1C613C42-1078-406F-AE04-BF73101A7A5E-4766-00000459F1DF647A.jpg

3FBC5027-DF94-437C-847B-3DC68A0C0770-4766-00000459F3D76476.jpg

C9480B48-61AD-4E50-805F-C91D353BCABC-4766-00000459DBF77960.jpg


UPDATE: removed all paint and realized the serial number is MD4828 could someone determine a year now? I'd really like to know
9190AAF9-4981-44E7-8000-59A64881D0F5-1076-000000C8FB9D07AD_zps549d1cf4.jpg
 
2manybikes said:
I think it is a Murray frame. MO designates Murray of Ohio.
Click to expand...
I did read that MO meant Murray of Ohio but in that same article it said that Murray made Mercury bikes...which I don't know if that's true or not.
 
Vintagebikelover24 said:
2manybikes said:
I think it is a Murray frame. MO designates Murray of Ohio.
Click to expand...
I did read that MO meant Murray of Ohio but in that same article it said that Murray made Mercury bikes...which I don't know if that's true or not.
Click to expand...
Murray made bikes for a number of companies like Mercury and JC Higgins.
 
StickerLoaf Brand ANY TEXT Bicycle Head down Tube Frame Fork Decal Sticker Cycling Cyclist Cycle Bike Road Trail MTB Mountain Racing Race Century Metric trek specialized giant cannondale
$12.99
StickerLoaf Brand ANY TEXT Bicycle Head down Tube Frame Fork Decal Sticker Cycling Cyclist Cycle Bike Road Trail MTB Mountain Racing Race Century Metric trek specialized giant cannondale StickerLoaf
Chain Breaker Tool #420-530 with 420 Chain Master Link Connector Link for Coleman CT200U BT200X Baja 196 212cc Dirt Pit Bike ATV Quad Go Kart Scooter Motorcycle Chain Break # 428 520 525 Bicycle Parts
$12.68
Chain Breaker Tool #420-530 with 420 Chain Master Link Connector Link for Coleman CT200U BT200X Baja 196 212cc Dirt Pit Bike ATV Quad Go Kart Scooter Motorcycle Chain Break # 428 520 525 Bicycle Parts BDYAQ
Huffy Stone Mountain Women's Mountain Bike, Gray, 26 Inch Wheels/17 Inch Frame
-13%
$199.99 $229.99
Huffy Stone Mountain Women's Mountain Bike, Gray, 26 Inch Wheels/17 Inch Frame HuffyDirect
KAMIER 420 Chain Master Connect Link Breaker for Coleman CT200U BT200X Baja 196 212cc Mini Bike Go Kart TaoTao Coolster Ice Bear Suzuki SSR TTR CRF 50 70 90 110 125cc Pit Dirt Bike 4 Wheeler ATV Parts
$13.99
KAMIER 420 Chain Master Connect Link Breaker for Coleman CT200U BT200X Baja 196 212cc Mini Bike Go Kart TaoTao Coolster Ice Bear Suzuki SSR TTR CRF 50 70 90 110 125cc Pit Dirt Bike 4 Wheeler ATV Parts KAMIERS
WEIZE Beach Cruiser Bike, 26 inch Commuter Bicycle for Adult Men and Women, 7-Speed/High-Carbon Steel/Front & Rear Fenders, Comfortable City Bikes with Rear Rack, Ergonomic Upright Design, Grey
$199.99
WEIZE Beach Cruiser Bike, 26 inch Commuter Bicycle for Adult Men and Women, 7-Speed/High-Carbon Steel/Front & Rear Fenders, Comfortable City Bikes with Rear Rack, Ergonomic Upright Design, Grey Arkpower
Old River Outdoors Bicycle/Motorcycle Chain Picture Frame 4" X 6" Photo - Faux Bike Chain
$18.99
Old River Outdoors Bicycle/Motorcycle Chain Picture Frame 4" X 6" Photo - Faux Bike Chain Old River Outdoors (USA Merchant)
Schwinn Destiny Beach Cruiser Bike for Men Women, Ages 8 Up or Rider Height 4'8" to 5'6", 24-Inch Wheels, Single Speed, Rear Cargo Rack, Purple
-15%
$229.49 $269.99
Schwinn Destiny Beach Cruiser Bike for Men Women, Ages 8 Up or Rider Height 4'8" to 5'6", 24-Inch Wheels, Single Speed, Rear Cargo Rack, Purple Amazon.com
Personalized Add Your Custom Text Engraved Anodized Aluminum Hanging/Tabletop Personlized Group Family Photo Picture Frame 4x6-inch Vertical Black
$21.95
Personalized Add Your Custom Text Engraved Anodized Aluminum Hanging/Tabletop Personlized Group Family Photo Picture Frame 4x6-inch Vertical Black CustomGiftsNow
Dyno Racing Universal 2L Alloy Engine Oil Fuel Gas Catch Can Breather Tank Bottle Coolant Radiator Overflow Tank (Silver)
$29.90
Dyno Racing Universal 2L Alloy Engine Oil Fuel Gas Catch Can Breather Tank Bottle Coolant Radiator Overflow Tank (Silver) CNRacing
AlveyTech 80 mm Rear Band Drum Brake Assembly - Schwinn Meridian rear brake For Trike, Razor Pocket Mod Rocket, Dirt Bike & Scooter - With Rotor, Spring, and Hardware - Schwinn Meridian Trike Parts
$17.09
AlveyTech 80 mm Rear Band Drum Brake Assembly - Schwinn Meridian rear brake For Trike, Razor Pocket Mod Rocket, Dirt Bike & Scooter - With Rotor, Spring, and Hardware - Schwinn Meridian Trike Parts Monster Scooter Parts
StickerLoaf Brand ANY TEXT CUSTOM PERSONALIZED Bicycle Down Tube Frame Fork Decal Sticker Cycling Cycle Bike Road Trail MTB Mountain Racing Race BMX Touring
$9.99
StickerLoaf Brand ANY TEXT CUSTOM PERSONALIZED Bicycle Down Tube Frame Fork Decal Sticker Cycling Cycle Bike Road Trail MTB Mountain Racing Race BMX Touring StickerLoaf
Personalized Motocross Poster & Framed Canvas, Dirt Bike - Never Give Up Home Office Decor, Custom Name Number Bedroom Living Room Aesthetic Wall Art Gift For Boy, Son, Birthday Gifts
$12.99
Personalized Motocross Poster & Framed Canvas, Dirt Bike - Never Give Up Home Office Decor, Custom Name Number Bedroom Living Room Aesthetic Wall Art Gift For Boy, Son, Birthday Gifts OhaPrints LLC
Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Toddler and Kids Bike, For Girls and Boys, 16-Inch Wheels, With Saddle Handle, Training Wheels, Chain Guard, and Number Plate, Recommended Height 38-48 Inch, Red
$179.99
Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Toddler and Kids Bike, For Girls and Boys, 16-Inch Wheels, With Saddle Handle, Training Wheels, Chain Guard, and Number Plate, Recommended Height 38-48 Inch, Red Amazon.com
Personal-Prints MOTOCROSS Personalized Name Art Print | Customized for the Dirt Biker | Gift for the Dirt Bike Enthusiast |Custom Canvas Décor (16"x32" Float Framed Canvas)
$149.95
Personal-Prints MOTOCROSS Personalized Name Art Print | Customized for the Dirt Biker | Gift for the Dirt Bike Enthusiast |Custom Canvas Décor (16"x32" Float Framed Canvas) Personal Prints
HIAORS Universal 80mm Rear Band Drum Brake Assembly with Hardware Replacement for Schwinn Meridian Trike Mini E-Bike Bicycle Razor Pocket Mod Rocket Electric Folding Scooter Dirt Bike Tricycle Parts
$13.99
HIAORS Universal 80mm Rear Band Drum Brake Assembly with Hardware Replacement for Schwinn Meridian Trike Mini E-Bike Bicycle Razor Pocket Mod Rocket Electric Folding Scooter Dirt Bike Tricycle Parts HIAORS
Camshaft, Dyno Cams Mod 2: 212 Hemi - N1
$84.99
Camshaft, Dyno Cams Mod 2: 212 Hemi - N1 Bike boss
Schwinn Roadster Bike for Toddler, Kids Classic Tricycle, Low Positioned Steel Trike Frame with Bell and Handlebar Tassels, Rear Deck Made of Genuine Wood, for Boys and Girls Ages 2-4 Year Old, Black
$129.99
Schwinn Roadster Bike for Toddler, Kids Classic Tricycle, Low Positioned Steel Trike Frame with Bell and Handlebar Tassels, Rear Deck Made of Genuine Wood, for Boys and Girls Ages 2-4 Year Old, Black Amazon.com
Schwinn Daytripper Cargo Trailer for Bike, 100 lbs. Max Weight Capacity, Collapsible Frame With Quick-Release Wheels, Air-Filled Tires, Red/Grey
-17%
$149.99 $179.99
Schwinn Daytripper Cargo Trailer for Bike, 100 lbs. Max Weight Capacity, Collapsible Frame With Quick-Release Wheels, Air-Filled Tires, Red/Grey Amazon.com
Liquid Performance Street Bike Coolant & Antifreeze (Single / 64oz)
$27.21
Liquid Performance Street Bike Coolant & Antifreeze (Single / 64oz) Purely Power Sports
Schwinn Toggle Quick Build Kids Bike, 12-Inch Wheels, Smart Start Steel Frame, Easy Tool-Free Assembly, Blue
-8%
$99.99 $108.99
Schwinn Toggle Quick Build Kids Bike, 12-Inch Wheels, Smart Start Steel Frame, Easy Tool-Free Assembly, Blue easiness
Black Body Plastic Front Side Fender Vent For Taotao Hawk Boulder Vitacci IceBear RPS TrailMaster 110B 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc Quad ATV (Version 1)
$13.50
Black Body Plastic Front Side Fender Vent For Taotao Hawk Boulder Vitacci IceBear RPS TrailMaster 110B 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc Quad ATV (Version 1) Red Cap Electronics
Schwinn Twister Kids BMX Style Bike, Boys and Girls, 20-Inch Wheel, Single Speed, Age 7-13 Year Old, Handlebar Pad and Number Plate Included, Rider Recommended Height 48-60 Inch, Red
$179.26
Schwinn Twister Kids BMX Style Bike, Boys and Girls, 20-Inch Wheel, Single Speed, Age 7-13 Year Old, Handlebar Pad and Number Plate Included, Rider Recommended Height 48-60 Inch, Red OJCommerce
Schwinn High Timber AL Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women, 26-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame and Alloy Linear Pull Brakes, Navy Blue
$399.99
Schwinn High Timber AL Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women, 26-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame and Alloy Linear Pull Brakes, Navy Blue Amazon.com
BELLA BUSTA Biking Themed Picture Frame-Adventures,Biking Memories -Christmas, Birthday, Family -Print (5x7 Vertical (Biking))
$22.95
BELLA BUSTA Biking Themed Picture Frame-Adventures,Biking Memories -Christmas, Birthday, Family -Print (5x7 Vertical (Biking)) BELLA BUSTA
Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire, 26" x 2.125" Cruiser Bike Tire, Smooth Tread Pattern, Puncture Guard, Fits Internal Rim Widths 19mm-29mm, PSI Range 40 to 65
-47%
$14.39 $26.99
Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire, 26" x 2.125" Cruiser Bike Tire, Smooth Tread Pattern, Puncture Guard, Fits Internal Rim Widths 19mm-29mm, PSI Range 40 to 65 Amazon.com
Lnzong Personalized Wood Picture Frame, Memorial Gifts for Mother Father Baby Friends Family Pet, White Photo Frame for 4x6 picture with Signature Space - Horizontal/Vertical Display on Table or Wall
$13.99
Lnzong Personalized Wood Picture Frame, Memorial Gifts for Mother Father Baby Friends Family Pet, White Photo Frame for 4x6 picture with Signature Space - Horizontal/Vertical Display on Table or Wall Minvis
Personalized Add Your Custom Text Hanging/Tabletop Wall Natural Alder Wood Picture Photo Frame Customizable (4x6-inch Horizontal)
$21.95
Personalized Add Your Custom Text Hanging/Tabletop Wall Natural Alder Wood Picture Photo Frame Customizable (4x6-inch Horizontal) CustomGiftsNow
KAMIER 420 Drive Roller Chain 102 Link Breaker for CRF50F XR80R KX65 KLX110 TTR110 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc SSR TaoTao Coolster Baja Ice Bear Kayo Pit Dirt Bike 4 Wheeler ATV Go Kart Mini Bike Parts
$18.99
KAMIER 420 Drive Roller Chain 102 Link Breaker for CRF50F XR80R KX65 KLX110 TTR110 50cc 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc SSR TaoTao Coolster Baja Ice Bear Kayo Pit Dirt Bike 4 Wheeler ATV Go Kart Mini Bike Parts KAMIERS
Personalized Dirt Bike Poster & Framed Canvas, Motocross Rider Home Office Decor, Custom Name Number Bedroom Living Room Aesthetic Wall Art Gift For Boyfriend, Husband, Men
$12.99
Personalized Dirt Bike Poster & Framed Canvas, Motocross Rider Home Office Decor, Custom Name Number Bedroom Living Room Aesthetic Wall Art Gift For Boyfriend, Husband, Men OhaPrints LLC
Camshaft, Dyno Cams Mod 2: GX200 Non Hemi - N1
$84.99
Camshaft, Dyno Cams Mod 2: GX200 Non Hemi - N1 Bike boss
Mercury was what Murray originally badged it's bikes as. In the late 50s, they reused the name for budget line middleweights. There should be another letter after MO, MO-E is 1940. -Adam
 
Rustinkerer said:
Mercury was what Murray originally badged it's bikes as. In the late 50s, they reused the name for budget line middleweights. There should be another letter after MO, MO-E is 1940. -Adam
Click to expand...
It doesn't seem to have a letter after the MO...I put pics up to help out
 
I have one just like it that also does not have the extra "date code" letter. Mine has a Gambles Hiawatha badge. I believe this frame was manufactured from 36 to 41. Mercury was Murray's "house brand". I believe the headbadge that was pictured in the linked thread was original to the bike.
 
dougfisk said:
I have one just like it that also does not have the extra "date code" letter. Mine has a Gambles Hiawatha badge. I believe this frame was manufactured from 36 to 41. Mercury was Murray's "house brand". I believe the headbadge that was pictured in the linked thread was original to the bike.
Click to expand...
Okay so late 30's ish Mercury lol and now I need to buy a headbadge!
 
If your just looking for any correct headbage, I know for sure this frame came badged as Elgin, Hiawatha, Mercury, and Goodyear.
 
Updated! New info found
 
The D might indicate 1939, and then again it might not. :) That is roughly in the middle of my previously provided range. There is a great deal of hope MIS-placed on serial numbers of these prewar bikes. There are very few authoritative and confirmed decoding of serial numbers of any maker for any era. The pics of the bike before it was dismembered are far more meaningful than the serial number.
 
I have an SC stamped '39 Elgin, so I'd lean towards '39-40 as well. Also, notice the little scuff marks on the seat tube just behind the top tubes.. this tells me it originally had the long tank which extends past the seat tube. This long tank was first introduced in 1939 so it isn't earlier than then. Cheers!
 
ED048D26-D9DC-49F4-8013-211E7DD4A1DF-1841-00000129BE221BC5_zps8ef8ff35.jpg


Well there's the pic of my bike before it was disassembled...you're right! Long tank!
 
Very interested! Just let me know
 
raggedjim said:
I'll try to get a pic of it tonight, if I can find it!

Rg
Click to expand...
Okay thanks!
-Coiléan
 

Latest posts

Back
Top