vintage bates bicycle, trying to date it

[latchie]

I recently acquired a bicycle with bates written on the downtube, Possibly made by bates bicycles in melbourne. I've been trying to find a rough production date but have hit a dead end.

The bike has 28inch wheels, cottered cranks with "phoenix" written within the chainring, three speed geared rear hub and fairly intricate lugs.

Im thinking possible 1950s or 1960's, but any further knowledge would be great.

[RobertFrith]

Hey latchie, photos and any numbers stamped (not cast) under the bottom bracket, on the rear dropouts or at the top of the seat tube will help. The forum will prevent you from posting pics until you have 10 posts but PM'ing a mod should see you around that obstacle.

[latchie]

the only numbers stamped is a "61/62" on the bottom bracket, would this be referring to the production date?

[Torana68]

the only numbers stamped is a "61/62" on the bottom bracket, would this be referring to the production date?

nope , its never that easy, photos will enable someone to take an educated guess

[RobertFrith]

the only numbers stamped is a "61/62" on the bottom bracket, would this be referring to the production date?

That's actually a casting that looks like stamping . One of my bikes has it, thousands of others too most likely.
The three speed hub could be your best bet; if its a Sturmey Archer it will have a year month code on it. For example 50 4 would be April 1950.

[im_no_pro]

If you want to get some pics of it up, just post the direct image links then report the post (or if a mod is online just shoot them a PM). We will throw some image tags around them for you.