Dear Listmembers,
An older gentleman contacted me last week regarding the value and sale of two older bicycles. One is an approx. 1927 "Ranger" made by the Meade Cycle Co. in Chicago. It's a mens single bike with block chain and wood rims etc. The bike is overall is in excellent condition with original paint, pinstriping, and decals intact. The original tyres are still on the bike but one is twisted and hanging off the rim is places. The other one is still on the rim, but both are rock hard and not usable, but at least you know what is original.
The second bike is an approx. 1896 "courting tandem" made by Gormully & Jeffery Mfg. Co. of Chicago. The bike is female front/ male rear with "dual steering" or stear from the rear. The bike is in reasonably good condition but has had "balloon" tyres fitted in about 1937. I think the rims might still original, the hubs deffinitely are (as far as I can tell). Only one hand grip is missing, otherwise it is complete, including the tripod kickstand that is locked in the up position to the rear fender when the bike is in use.
Can anyone on the list give me an idea what the fair approx. value of these bikes might be and who might possibly be interested in them. I don't want to mess with the shipping of these bikes so it would be great if someone in the Left side was interested. If I don't find a buyer before the Velo Rendezvous you will see them in person there, up for sale. The owner is not unreasonable in his expections of what they are worth, but they have contacted me on account of my reputation for fairness and integrity and I would like to do right by these people. So if anyone can clue me in to the fair market value of said bikes, I'd truely appreciate it. Thanks!
In addition, I would like some idea of value ASAP since I've been VERY busy this past two weeks and haven't had time to deal with this, but the owner is going back to Chicago tomorrow (Thurs.) and I will be dealing with his daughter after that; I'd like to send him home with at least a little bit of information. Again, thanks for any help that is forthcomming.
Brian Baylis P.S. I've got a real nice sort throat I'd be willing to sell to the first person who would give me two cents for it! Any takers?