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1. Check Bike Serial Numbers

1948 Columbia Catalog - Dealer brochure for the 1948 model line from Columbia. Dave's Vintage Bicycles Research and identify American made vintage and antique bicycles from the 1880's through the 1980's. The wheels are size 26 special about 1/8' too small for the regular 26 tires. All in all the bike is now worth about $250 this takes in account parts and labour An unrestored one in great condition, like mine was in, would be around $60-$80. Modern Cannondale bikes feature the bicycle's serial number on the underside of the frame: Location of the bar-coded serial number sticker The bicycle's serial number will be accompanied by a bar.

Dealer brochure for the 1948 model line from Columbia.

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CWC started producing bikes in September of 1935. The serial number location of CWC bicycles from 1935-1956 is located underneath the bottom bracket. The early bikes (1935-36) could have used a serial starting with XX, Z , or A. The very early bikes starting with XX or Z appear rather crude (Fig 1). Beginning with the “A” serial numbers the font is uniform and distinctive. This style of font is usually a good indicator fo a CWC built bike (Fig 2.). The serial numbers repeat during the prewar period so the frame style and components must be used to date the bike.

Note–Although the Delivery Cycles are listed as 1940-41 models all known examples have a serial number starting with “D”

The serial number on early postwar bikes (1946-mid 1947) is the same style as the prewar bikes so frame characteristics must be used in conjunction with the serial number to distinguish between a pre and early post war bike. The biggest ‘tell’ between a prewar and post war bike is a lack of drop stand ‘ears’ on postwar frames* (Figs 3, 3-1). Later postwar bikes also have a ridge on seat post clamp (Figs 4, 4-1), and a stamped, curved upper rear fender brace vice a straight, tubular fender brace on prewar bikes (and early post war bikes) (Figs 5, 5-1). Early postwar from roughly ’46-47 can be confusing as the drop stand ears are normally the only indicator the bike is postwar.

*Note–The ’40-1 “All American” prewar model did not have drop stand ‘ears’ but other frame indicators will identify this frame as prewar.

Beginning in August 1947 the serial will have a large “C” with a small “w” inside it after the serial number. This style of serial number runs until about July of 1949 (Fig 6).

Starting about August 1949 CWC again changed the serial style and after the serial number is an “A” before the big “C” with little “w” (Fig 7). This configuration was used until the end of 1951.

Note: CWC was purchased by AMF in April 1951

Starting in 1952 through 1956 the serial was followed by the last two numbers of the year with the big “C” with the small “w” inside (Fig 9). This makes these bikes very easy to date. Also during 1956 production was moved to Little Rock, Arkansas

Serial number chart compiled from various sources.

Check Bike Serial Numbers

* Due to inconsistencies between sources the change in 1947 to the new numbering system is approximate From Aug 1947 through the end of 1951.