Cleveland Welding Company Serial Numbers

CWC started producing bikes in September of 1935. The serial number location of CWC bicycles from 1935-1956 is located underneath the bottom bracket. The early bikes (1935-36) could have used a serial starting with XX, Z , or A. The very early bikes starting with XX or Z appear rather crude (Fig 1). Beginning with the 'A' serial numbers the font is uniform and distinctive. This style of font is usually a good indicator fo a CWC built bike (Fig 2.). The serial numbers repeat during the prewar period so the frame style and components must be used to date the bike.

1. Cleveland Welding Company Serial Numbers Number
2. Cleveland Welding Company Bicycles

Note–Although the Delivery Cycles are listed as 1940-41 models all known examples have a serial number starting with 'D'

The serial number on early postwar bikes (1946-mid 1947) is the same style as the prewar bikes so frame characteristics must be used in conjunction with the serial number to distinguish between a pre and early post war bike. The biggest ‘tell' between a prewar and post war bike is a lack of drop stand ‘ears' on postwar frames* (Figs 3, 3-1). Later postwar bikes also have a ridge on seat post clamp (Figs 4, 4-1), and a stamped, curved upper rear fender brace vice a straight, tubular fender brace on prewar bikes (and early post war bikes) (Figs 5, 5-1). Early postwar from roughly '46-47 can be confusing as the drop stand ears are normally the only indicator the bike is postwar.

*Note–The '40-1 'All American' prewar model did not have drop stand ‘ears' but other frame indicators will identify this frame as prewar.

Beginning in August 1947 the serial will have a large 'C' with a small 'w' inside it after the serial number. This style of serial number runs until about July of 1949 (Fig 6).

Starting about August 1949 CWC again changed the serial style and after the serial number is an 'A' before the big 'C' with little 'w' (Fig 7). This configuration was used until the end of 1951.

• The Cleveland Welding Company is the maker of Roadmaster bikes. This company made different bicycles for several different retailers. Often, these bicycles were very similar across different brands, and the Cleveland Welding Company was never famous for creating bicycles of the best quality, but they did make some Roadmaster models that are.
• Have a Cleveland Welding Company Roadmaster but not sure of the year. Has twin spring front fork, but had a fender headlamp at one time. Could not find a serial number on the peddle crank area of the frame and has the original bike stand with clip at back bumper. Dad had since 1959 used at a yard sale and added the extra seat as a kid seat.

Cleveland Welding Company Serial Numbers Number

Serial number tables listed in section 2,3, and 5. The attached tables list the serial number assigned to the first welding machine or first motor manufactured for that corresponding year. Because monthly production is uniform, by pro-rating, these lists can be used to determine the approximate month of manufacture of a unit.

Note: CWC was purchased by AMF in April 1951

Starting in 1952 through 1956 the serial was followed by the last two numbers of the year with the big 'C' with the small 'w' inside (Fig 9). This makes these bikes very easy to date. Also during 1956 production was moved to Little Rock, Arkansas

Serial number chart compiled from various sources.

Cleveland Welding Company Bicycles

* Due to inconsistencies between sources the change in 1947 to the new numbering system is approximate From Aug 1947 through the end of 1951.