Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:17 pm

That number would indicate that it was built in M for Melbourne in 1946.
Warren

RustyB
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby RustyB » Fri Sep 14, 2012 8:43 pm

Ohh cool beans! cheers mate

Rival rider
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Rival rider » Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:51 am

Hi Warren,
I have just got hold of a collection of bikes, three of which are Malvern Star "star" bikes. A Two Star #86325, a Three Star #55M 11144 which I assume is from 1955 and a Five Star #61S126 or it may be 615126 but I think it is an S. There are also two Ladies Coronation frames one is a brand new never built frame set #0M14034 and the other is 53 8608, 1953? If you have any ideas as to the age of these bikes I would appreciate the info.

Peter.

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Clydesdale Scot
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Clydesdale Scot » Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:25 pm

Rival rider wrote:Hi Warren,
There are also two Ladies Coronation frames one is a brand new never built frame set #0M14034 and the other is 53 8608, 1953?
Peter.
would you please post the Coronation photos in this thread?

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:44 pm

2 Star 86325 would be 1937/8. May be able to narrow it down with photo.
3 star 55M 11144. equals 1955
5 Star 61 S 126 or 615126. Non-conforming number. Not sure about this one, as far as I know, the year and letter system stopped in 1959. No other numbers in this form after '59M' prefix. So I dont think 61S is 1961, Sydney, but it may be. I dont think it would be 615126, as they stopped using the 6 digit numerial sequence in 1939/40, the highest 6 digit number recorded is 210316.
Coronation OM 14034. This is 1950.
Coronation 53 8608. There should be a letter in there after 53, as in 53M,53S, 53p, but this is probably 1953, and the apprentice got distracted while stamping the numbers.
Warren

Rival rider
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Rival rider » Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:06 pm

bicyclepassion wrote:2 Star 86325 would be 1937/8. May be able to narrow it down with photo.
3 star 55M 11144. equals 1955
5 Star 61 S 126 or 615126. Non-conforming number. Not sure about this one, as far as I know, the year and letter system stopped in 1959. No other numbers in this form after '59M' prefix. So I dont think 61S is 1961, Sydney, but it may be. I dont think it would be 615126, as they stopped using the 6 digit numerial sequence in 1939/40, the highest 6 digit number recorded is 210316.
Coronation OM 14034. This is 1950.
Coronation 53 8608. There should be a letter in there after 53, as in 53M,53S, 53p, but this is probably 1953, and the apprentice got distracted while stamping the numbers.
Warren
Thanks Warren for that. The numbers on the 5 star are on the left rear dropout and have been damaged by the nut but I'm fairly sure that they are correct, this bike has Cyclo gears fitted and various other go fast bits so may well be pre 1961 it would be interesting to know.
The Coronation is definately 53 with no suffix, so I will go with 1953 for the time being. posting photos to this forum are a pain and I don't have a photobucket account so if you like I can PM them to you for your reference.

Peter.

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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Rival rider » Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:15 pm

Clydesdale Scot wrote:
Rival rider wrote:Hi Warren,
There are also two Ladies Coronation frames one is a brand new never built frame set #0M14034 and the other is 53 8608, 1953?
Peter.
would you please post the Coronation photos in this thread?
Hi Clydesdale,

Photo posting is a pain on this site can I PM them to you?

Peter.

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Dan
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Dan » Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:32 am

Hey Warren,

Here's a 1 star I picked up over the weekend. M4H49561. Nothing special, but one for the database nonetheless.

Image

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Fri Sep 21, 2012 5:08 pm

Housepaint green bike no. M4H49561 will be a 1980's ? Taiwan built Malvern Star of some description, possibly built by M for Merida. Does it have a plastic star on the front?
I have not recorded any numbers after about 1970, as after that, the bikes can be easilly identified from specifcations and brochures.
The Malvern Stars made in Japan, Taiwan and China are outside the scope of the register I have compiled to date.

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Dan
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Dan » Fri Sep 21, 2012 6:19 pm

It's a terrible house paint green too - apologies - I only saw the 1930s thread title after I'd posted... #facepalm

Harnor
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Harnor » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:08 pm

Hi Warren,

I have just bought an old 2-Star frame. The Serial Number, on the right rear dropout, is 20368. It does not appear to have any other markings.

I will be adding photos to my Photobucket album in the near future.

Scott

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:39 am

Serial Number 20368 would make it approx 1932. Does it have stars in the fork crown?
Warren

Harnor
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Harnor » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:57 pm

Unfortunately, there were no forks with it...just the frame and nothing else. Even the BB is missing, along with just about every other part that could be unscrewed or cut off. It is frustrating that it has been stripped so thoroughly, but what can you do?!

I had not planned to buy this - I was picking up another Malvern Star frame and the seller mentioned that he also had an older one. I knew that it was much older than my other 2-star (a 1958) and I thought it was worth paying the $15 asking price even if nothing comes of it. The guy told me that he had been collecting any bike that he came across in the hopes of saving them from the scrap heap. I had to assure him that I would not sell it for scrap before he would sell it to me - I think having the 1958 won him over!

As it is so old, I may have to build it with what parts I can get (even if not from that period) and replace them over time as the correct parts turn up. Getting the correct forks will be the biggest problem. Any assistance I can get with them would be much appreciated!

Scott

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Wed Sep 26, 2012 12:40 pm

Malvern Star started putting the stars in the fork crowns in 1933. Before that, they used various types of plain and double plate crowns, depending on the model. PM with more details of the frame, or post some pics on here. Warren

norton75
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby norton75 » Wed Sep 26, 2012 6:45 pm

There is pair of double plated forks in an antique/junk shop at Altona. Don't know if you were interested. The axle fitting is a closed hole, not the usual open C style FWIW.

Harnor
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Harnor » Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:15 pm

http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj5 ... 749554.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks Warren.

The link above is to the first photo in a series. I am afraid that I am still not able to add photos here.

I have seen the double-plate crowns but had not even considered that my frame may have been fitted with them. I guess it would be easier for me to assume that it is a pre-1933 and go with plain forks. I will have to see what turns up on eBay, I may get lucky.

I often buy parts that I have no immediate use for...I bought the wheels I plan to use for this bike, and my old Speedwell, about two months ago. I am kicking myself now because I considered buying a set of old Malvern Star forks a few weeks ago, for about $20, but decided not to because it was so unlikely I would be getting a bike that old!

The forks in Altona sound interesting, and just what I need, but I live in NSW. I am also working on a tight budget so, unfortunately, price is a factor too.

Scott

Harnor
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Harnor » Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:24 pm

Sorry...try

http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj5 ... 666/Bikes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:00 am

Sorry, I have mislead you, I should wait for photos before giving an opinion. Now that I have seen pics, frame number 20368, burnt orange roadster frame with pressed ends, is a later frame. Malvern Star re-started the numeric sequence numbering in 1960, and your frame is about 1962/64. The head lugs and other features are consistant with this date. It would probably not be worth seeking out forks for this frame, as there are plenty of Roadstar complete bikes around from the 1960's. Warren

Harnor
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Harnor » Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:52 pm

Thanks Warren,

Your re-assessment is a little disapppointing and a bit of a relief at the same time! Disapppointing in that it is not as impressive as first thought, but also a relief in that I will not have to be too historically accurate with my rebuild.

I still think it will make a nice bike which, for me anyway, is the main thing. It also means that the bike was built at about the time I was born (1964) which I think is pretty cool!

Scott

Penduick69
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Penduick69 » Fri Oct 05, 2012 4:27 pm

Dear Warren,

Do you know anything about old Speedwell bikes. I have an old speedwell bike (manufactured by Bennett and Woods) but don't really know how old it is.
It definitely a steel frame red and geyish blue. It has ????CLUB on the front of the bike. It doesn't have any gears and only one cog in the back. It has brakes. It has a simple leather seat no padding with "Bell Seven made in Australia" pressed into it. It has a little hole with lid to put oil into the cranks. It is a bit rustry but you can still ride it. (Not up any hill unless you have massive legs).

I do have pictures of the bike but can't find a way to upload these to this post.

Thanks
Antoine

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:38 pm

I dont know much about Speedwell. Post your request under a new topic with Speedwell heading. There are some Speedwell enthusiasts who visit this forum, I'm sure they will be able to help.
Warren

Johnj
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Johnj » Sun Oct 07, 2012 10:11 pm

Penduick69 wrote: I have an old speedwell bike (manufactured by Bennett and Woods) but don't really know how old it is.
It definitely a steel frame red and geyish blue. It has ????CLUB on the front of the bike. It doesn't have any gears and only one cog in the back. It has brakes. It has a simple leather seat no padding with "Bell Seven made in Australia" pressed into it. It has a little hole with lid to put oil into the cranks. It is a bit rustry but you can still ride it. (Not up any hill unless you have massive legs).

I do have pictures of the bike but can't find a way to upload these to this post.

Thanks
Antoine
This will be a Speedwell Sports Club, or a Speedwell Super Club, probably 1930s or 1940s. These were entry level road racing bikes, designed (as the name suggests) for club racing. I have posted a 1935 Speedwell price list previously, which shows where they sit in Speedwell range.

Post some images online, via Photobucket, Picasa, Flickr or whatever and put a link in your post. Don't forget the serial number.

Bigkev57
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby Bigkev57 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:25 pm

Hey buddy im wonderin if ya can help me then..i have a very old(i think) Lady Cruiser Malvern Star Bike with a Single Very Large Star on the headstock.which is sitting inside some very nice curved lugwork I have been told pre dates the 50"s type stuff..and its different to my 2 and 3 Star (smaller versions) which have the Sunray type Bruce Small era long stickers on the downtube.....its got a body through top bar stem ie through the vertical tube poking out the back about half an inch as well as the stem bolt through the neck has a large heavily ribbed headset with ornate nuts and threaded spacers for locking and Malvern Star clearly monogrammed on the horizontal edge..it appears to be cast outwards not engraved inwards but unfortunately i havnt been able to find any visible serial numbers anywhere.The handlebars that came with the bike are curved back and upwards in a graceful arc.with the old Raleigh /Rudge type Lamp holder.....but the strange ends of the bars come directly backwards..like after the vertical ascent from the curve there is no offset sweep..they are dead parralel with the top bar.....and are not chromed ...they look like a nickel cast effect..but not raw,,theres no rust or oxidization just this dull patina to them..almost zinc/undercoat grey ..it has long horizontal rear dropouts..straight claw over the top forks with rake...dual bar downtubes..a Williams/Snowflake type single/chainy cranks and very slender ornate pedal arms , and what appear to be Lyotard type French peds with the lattice metal work in the pedal body and curved/ fluted at the ends..it has had a spearmint green overcoat put on it so there are no other distinguishing features or visible stickers or other marks..I hope thats some core info and not too vague without pics..and you may be able to shed some light on it for me...Best rgds Kev.

bicyclepassion
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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby bicyclepassion » Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:21 pm

Kev, I cant identify the bike from that very good description. All I can say is that the hadfittings with Malvern Star cast into them, as far as I know, first appeared in the late 1960's and went through to the mid 1970's on some models. Say 1969-1975.
Post a pic if you can please.
If it is from the 1970's, the serial number may have been on a sticker under the bottom bracket. Does it have a 'unit' type bottom bracket?
There may be a serial number stamped in the steerer tube. You will have to take the forks out to see it.
Warren

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Re: Pre 1930 Malvern Star serial numbers

Postby LG » Sat Oct 13, 2012 2:33 pm

Another one for you Warren, I bought this earlier today from a second hand store. Serial number 2M 15930 (Melbourne 1942?). Brazed on seat stays and the flick test indicates the tubes aren't gaspipe. Sturmey Archer AB rear wheel appears to be a later addition. Any advice much appreciated. Almost bought another bike at the same time, this one decalled as a "Midland Star" from Northern Tassie.

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