One of the neat things about doing a 20th Century impression, is the availability of items from that time period, pretty much under our noses. Antique shopping can provide a wealth of useful material and be fun as well. The Donegans recently scored big. Here is Bill’s account:
Here is a shopping tale about a WW2 era bike we found.
About a year ago Linda and I went into a new little cafe to eat lunch. The cafe
was sporting a 1950’s motif so in the window of the cafe there was a display of
1950s era toys. In the midst of the display was this blue and white girls
bicycle. It caught our eye as Linda had been looking for a 1940s model bike to
ride at events. This bike had the right look about it. We inquired inside if
the bike was for sale. We were informed that it wasn’t. We put it out of our
minds.
Last week we thought we were going into a tea house next door to the 50’s cafe,
but were surprised to find that the tea room had gone out of business, and that
the Cafe had moved in next door. We decided to eat lunch. We struck up a
casual conversation with the waitress and asked about the old bike, “O it is in
the back, I think it is for sale”, she said. We asked if we could see it.
After looking at it we saw that it was just what Linda wanted. It looked 40ish
and had a basket on the front. We copied down the Mfg, name and bike model,
took the owners telephone number and advised that we would call back in a couple
of days with an offer.
I did some on-line research and discovered that similar bikes were selling for
between $280.00 and $850.00, depending on condition. Since the bike we wanted
had two flat tires and some rust Linda told me to contact the owner and offer
$125.00. Monday before I made the call I prayed that Linda could get her bike
for $125.00.
I telephoned the owner, explained that we were reenactors and wanted the bike
for Linda’s impression of Rosy the Riveter. The owner said, “the bike was in
the building when I bought it so it has no sentimental value to me, make me an
offer.” I said $125.00, it’s yours he said.
I picked up the bike, took it home, cleaned it, pumped up both tires, which held
the air even under my 250 pounds, I oiled the bike and polished it up. I noted
the serial number and contacted the manufacturer. The bike was made in 1944!
One bike picture is worth many words so here she is.
“Stirling” by Columbia, Westfield, Mass. circa. 1944
Bill Donegan
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