HarryO47

I have the 1950 Schwinn Black Phantom bicycle that my mother won at a Sports Show in Peoria, IL back in 1950 or 1951. She had the closest guess at the serial number to win. The bike was a custom modified by the Schwinn dealer in Peoria, Illinois Cycle, and this company is still in business in Peoria. Modifications include a reinforced front handle bar that I think came from the 1940's Auto Cycle Deluxe bikes, and instead of painted fenders and passenger seat like other Black Phantoms this one had all chrome funders and passenger seat. It also has the Peoria King badge on it rather than the standard Schwinn badge. The spring fork, locking fork, and handbrake were also on this bike. Due to these features I suspect it is truly a one of a kind bicycle. Other than the tires, the key, and the rear reflector which was torn off, this bike is all original and in unrestored condition. It has always been stored inside but in an unheated garage so there is rust damage on it. I will try and include a couple of photos to show condition. I would appreciate any estimates of what this would be worth in its original unrestored condition. Thank you.

When I drag and drop photos I get an "ALERT" pop up and the photos do not upload. Any help on this problem would be appreciated.

HarryO47

I did create an album with photos in it if you know how to reach it.

TugaDude

My first thought is have you contacted the dealer to see if they have any info on it? Maybe someone there is related to someone who worked there at the time? You never know. Also, even if not, they might be interested in purchasing it from you. I've been in many shops that had vintage bikes displayed, especially ones that were sold there.

I looked at the photos. It is going to need a lot of work, but from what I understand there is a good market for them, so someone will want it. I have no idea on current value in that condition. Hopefully someone will.

HarryO47

Actually I did contact the current owner of Illinois Cycle and he was interested but didn't have an idea of the value. Hence, my question here. I know car museums often have an old vintage car on display that has not been restored and they value having something they know for certain has not been messed with. Not sure if bicycle collectors value unrestored bikes in the same manner.

randyjawa 

Pic assist...

EddyR

Google search gave up a lot on Schwinn Phantom . Built from 1949-59. Schwinn did a repo version and those go for $1600+. A original value?
ed

SoccerBallXan

"The Classic and Antique Bicycle Exchange" forum (TheCABE) will likely be a good source to gather information from. Post the bicycle in TheCABE forums and see what members have to say.

https://thecabe.com/forum/

TugaDude

I'm sure that someone interested in restoring that bike will be looking at three things in order to decide whether it is attractive or not. First, are all of the bits and bobs there? If they are, that's a huge time-saver and a big plus. Next comes condition and that leads directly towards price. The price needs to be realistic when the cost of restoration is calculated. That bike needs a lot of work and therefore the price should rightly reflect that. I'm sure most will want to do a complete repaint. That's probably $500.00 on the low end and that probably won't cover decals and such.

If a bike is complete, in good condition and reasonably priced, then it is going to demand more. This one might be lacking in the condition department. Just some thoughts.

wrk101

One of a kind means far from original, as dealer mods are different than factory mods. Value should be the highest to the original dealer.


Myself, I love the patina, so that is a plus. Agree, the CABE is the place to go for opinions on this one.

Clang

Brace yourself for the gut punch that all the custom things that make this "one of a kind" are going to detract from its value, not increase it. I'd think a collector will want something that looks like what it did in the old Schwinn catalogs they were drooling over as a kid. Tracking down stock items like badges, fenders, and the like can get pricey. I wouldn't do a lot of cleaning- leave that up to the buyer.

DMC707

very trick ! No idea on the value but this bike gets a huge thumbs up from me on coolness

jamesdak 

Yeah, that is super cool to me. I just have no idea of value and agree with the others about asking over at The Cabe.