Baines serial numbers are normall on the rear dropout left hand side. Its a simple sequential number, post war Baines gates starting with a W or occasionally WW. This one's lugged BB shel is unusual. The rear spacing could have been anything between 110 and 120mm - depending on what gears it was built for. A good guide is that the seatstays should run straight... The stops are probably more modern additions but without a closer-up pic I'd not be sure. Stronglight 49Ds were available from 1938 but really rather rare until much later. Williams C1000 would have been the most likely original fitment.
Hilary Stone, Bristol, England
> From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
> Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 07:14:49 -0700 (PDT)
> To: Mark Poore <rauler83@yahoo.com>, Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Baines Whirlwind
>
> I recently bought on eBay this Baines Whirlwind:
>
> http://ebay.com/
> DisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting
>
> Does anyone know how to date a Baines from a serial #, or where the serial #
> would be located? The CR web site quotes Hilary as saying the Baines Flying
> Gate frame was made from 1935 to 1952. Is he correctly quoted?
>
> If this is indeed no newer than 1952, then I imagine the brazeon toptube cable
> guides, and probably the brazeon chainstay cable stop and FD cable stop, are
> nonoriginal. Can anyone confirm this? What would the rear spacing have been
> in 1952?
>
> Any suggestions for correct components? Was the Stronglight 49D crank
> available in 1952? What about the TA Cyclotourist rings which we often see
> mated with 49D arms in the 60's?
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, TX