Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:13 am

Pictures needed.
The 4 star Malvern Star first appeared in 1939.
The P prefix would normally indicate that the frame was built in Perth.
They didnt start using the prefix numbers until 1941. (As far as I know)
The BSA A88 are casting numbers, common to BSA Bottom Bracket shells.
The four star frames usually did not have stars in the fork crown.
Warren

ian_webber
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby ian_webber » Mon Jan 13, 2014 12:09 pm

Hi Warren

Not sure if this link will work but will give it a shot.
I just received a photo of the bike taken in 1939. I have included this photo in the link.
Also don't know if it is of interest but the frame weighs 2.2 kg. Seams light to me.

Cheers Ian
http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/hunte ... t=3&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ps there is enlarger in top right of page for images.

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:17 pm

I have a one owner 1939/40 4 star in my collection, which has the same frame features as yours. The unusual headstem is the same also.
The top bike in the 1938 line-up was the oppy racer model, with all BSA parts, and double butted tubing, (531 or BTM) (Two stars in open head)
In 1939, this same bike became the 4 star. The 5 star had the same frame, but with one more star, and all aluminium components, including Stronglight cotterless cranks.
In the late 1940's, the four star became a semi racer, with heavier tubing, and lesser parts.
The fact that the photo was taken in 1939 is a significant piece of evidence.
Warren

baysieskip
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby baysieskip » Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:24 am

Hi Warren and Bike people

Thanks for all your work, I found it really interesting to read about the history of Malvern Star on the net. I have a two star, P3849 on right dropout, I take that to mean perth 1948. The photos are terrible sorry, will take better ones tomorrow. Would a stumey archer three speed be a standard item on the bike or something that has been added.

http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/baysieskip/library/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Does anybody know where in Perth these were manufactured and any of the local history. Sorry If this has already been talked about in previous pages

Thanks heaps

Morgan

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:59 am

P3849 does not fit the normal pattern of numbers, but lots of others dont either.
Does the SA hub have a date code on it?
Happy to help, but post some better pics, just this bike, I cant work out anything from those bikes in your link, cant even tell which one is the subject bike.
Warren

baysieskip
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby baysieskip » Thu Jan 23, 2014 12:59 am

http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/baysi ... alvernstar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi Warren

Got to take some better photo's in the light today. SA Hub is 49 11 ab model, which suggests the hub was made in 1949.

Under bottom bracket says BSA clearly then I presume a88 based on other posts- that said the letters aren't clear. Looked on BSA sites to try and date frame but that seemed very difficult.

On head tube is a tiny bsa trademark guns logo- I seem to remember reading that the rounded headset meant something for placing age- but I couldn't find that info again

rear dropout clearly says p3849. Is there other places I should look for details on bike- checked seat tube, pipes etc thought I might check head set tube next.

Cheers

Morgan

Sorry if I had used wrong name for bicycle parts and that adds confusion, still learning

saintscyclist
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby saintscyclist » Mon Jan 27, 2014 2:19 pm

Hi all
I purchased what was advertised as an old Malvern Star One Star off ebay for not much as a fixer project. It has a single MS star on the front of the stem but no decals or any other markings.
It is painted white but it looks like it has been painted by a blind man on a galloping horse at 20 feet with a straw broom.
The only serial number I can find is on the rear drop out and is 807. There are no other numbers or letters.
Just wondering whether someone can confirm if it is really a MS (not an especially big deal if no), and any thoughts on an colour pallete that might closely match the original if it is.
Any assistance or guidance gratefully appreciated.
Marcus

Torana68
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Torana68 » Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:31 pm

saintscyclist wrote:Hi all
I purchased what was advertised as an old Malvern Star One Star Any assistance or guidance gratefully appreciated.
Marcus
plastic or metal star? but pictures will be required (photobucket or similar)
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saintscyclist
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby saintscyclist » Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:02 pm

Will upload photos in the next day or so and submit - but the star appears to be metal and brazed on (noting that the rough paint job makes it difficult to be absolutely definitive).

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hiflange
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby hiflange » Mon Feb 03, 2014 12:00 am

The WAHCC put on a display at the Yanchep Criterium today. I used the opportunity to photograph a few members' bikes for the website. There are a couple of crackers which will be posted in the next few days. One of them is this unrestored original MS 2 star. The serial number (right rear dropout) is difficult make out, my best reading of it is 23086. Mid 30's??

Image

kevmango
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby kevmango » Mon Feb 03, 2014 12:59 pm

hi i have a ladies 2 star, serial number on the seat tube is, 5m5014. westwood rims.. etc. how old do you think ? thx

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Mon Feb 03, 2014 7:08 pm

Robertfrith: Serial number 23086 is normally very early 1930's.
Star is fork crown did not appear until 1934.
French ends and keyhole lugs all point to mid to late 1930's.
Can you have a better look at the frame number? Could the 2 be a 7?
That is a post war re-paint. Possibly at the factory, or at least at a professional enamellers.
Nice bike.

Kevmango: ladies bike: 5M 5014, will be 1945. Post pics, or PM me for my details , and send me pics.

Warren

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hiflange
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby hiflange » Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:06 pm

Serial number is hard to read. I'll take a macro lens next time I visit the owner and try to get some more revaling lighting onto it. Anyway it still looks like a "2" to me.. unless I'm reading it upside down and it's 98087? :shock:
Image Image

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munga
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby munga » Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:21 pm

28086? 28036?

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HappyHumber
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby HappyHumber » Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:29 pm

Could you temporarily rub a fine powder, like crushed charcoal or graphite (something contrasting in colour) over the stamped area and lightly brush it away, making indentations contrast a bit better? Just a thought. ,':\
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Clydesdale Scot
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Clydesdale Scot » Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:40 pm

Image
28036 is my reading
the second digit looks to be a different stamp to the fourth.

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HappyHumber
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby HappyHumber » Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:44 pm

oooh! space age electronomickery :D
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bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:24 am

OK, great work, 28036 makes a lot more sense than 23086.
I was wrong, above, (shock horror) , the stars in fork crown were first mentioned in what is believed to be the 1933 catalogue, normal by 1934. (Not all models though)
French ends first appeared in catalogues in 1929.
#28036 fits with 1933.
Even more certain it is a repaint though.
What size wheels?
Warren

bdelmenico
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bdelmenico » Wed Feb 05, 2014 2:58 pm

Hi, ... I have a Malvern Two Star with a serial number: 75207. Can provide photo's if required.
Woulf u happen to know the approximate age of this frame ?

Best regards Brad of Adelaide.

Torana68
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Torana68 » Thu Feb 06, 2014 8:53 am

bdelmenico wrote:Can provide photo's if required..
they will be needed, photobucket link or similar
Ozpushies! for ALL Australian made bikes.
"It's only original once"

bdelmenico
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bdelmenico » Thu Feb 06, 2014 2:30 pm

Sorry, ... don't have a photobucket link or similar as such.
Can I send it to someones e-mail addy & they can put it up for me? (Two photo's in total)

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hiflange
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby hiflange » Thu Feb 06, 2014 11:04 pm

Photobucket is free, Flickr is free,... there are a number of threads here on BNA (and doubtless on other forums) that offer image posting help. Google is your friend :-)

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Clydesdale Scot
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Clydesdale Scot » Fri Feb 07, 2014 8:19 am

bdelmenico wrote:Hi, ... I have a Malvern Two Star with a serial number: 75207. Can provide photo's if required.
Woulf u happen to know the approximate age of this frame ?

Best regards Brad of Adelaide.
here they are
Image
Image

my good turn for the year done.

bdelmenico
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bdelmenico » Fri Feb 07, 2014 8:21 am

Far out that was quick. Thanks again Phillip :-)

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Fri Feb 07, 2014 5:23 pm

#75207. Frame and fork are 1936. Everything else appears to be later.

Warren

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