Re: [CR] 1951 Schwinn Tandem "built by Al Schwinn" (?)

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2002)

Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:10:43 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
To: jonswriter@att.net, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] 1951 Schwinn Tandem "built by Al Schwinn" (?)


The bike is a "Town & Country" by which name I've commented on the list several times over the years. 4130 Chrome-Moly frame, over-sized headset, very short wheelbase, heavy steering. Fun bikes, and I modernized several, including a triplet version. There are still some enthusiasts for the model.

This seems to be a repaint with some replacement parts, notably the fenders, saddles, and front stem. The chainguards look proper. I think the drum brake hubs are likely to be original, and the front is likely to be stamped as a Schwinn part.

I don't know the Schwinn family geneology, for that one should consult Richard Schwinn at Waterford. If you look closely at the right rear crank, it has the symbols A S & C O, which stands for Arnold, Schwinn, & Company. As I recall the story, Arnold was family name of the founding funder, and Ignatz was the Schwinn.

harvey sachs mcLean va. (just sent off my last spare "Schwinn Tandem" head badge to another marquee enthusiast. Alas, I have no T&C tandems any more, nor more space in the inn for one)

Jon Spangler wrote: Was Al Schwinn building frames himself in 1951? Such is the claim of ebay seller "thomasdoom720." Vintage Schwinn 1951 Tandem Bicycle, ebay #120553629813