Of the three years the ’39 is generally the more desirable due to its double bar frame and unique tank design with the lit reflectors in the side. Like previous years the catalog only list the Zep in black and white although both blue and red bikes with white trim are found as well. The frame and fenders are in solid shape a couple of rust spots that a good paint job will fix while the chrome parts (handle bars, rims, etc.) were pretty much rusted over. While there are small differences between the fenders and other things on the ’39 models the maker (Snyder or CWC) can be determined the same way as a ’38 model although the serial for a CWC bike will likely start with either a “D” or “E”. The bike is a Montgomery Ward Hawthorne and, although I’m still researching the exact year, I believe it is a 1939 model. I dont know much about old bicycles but always wanted one in good shape. 293, 295, 313 Nathaniel Banks, 580 Nathaniel Batts, 1216 Nathaniel Hawthorne. Like the ’38 models the Zep will have the external fork lock and be fully equipped. I bought this bicycle at a local farm auction in the fall of 2016. 1 Nancy Ward, 1548 Nanticoke Indian Tribe, 318 Nanticoke River, 321. Similar models used this frame but the Zep frame will have two holes on the bar under the tank to mount the battery tray (pic) whereas the other models will not have these holes. The frame for the ’39 Zep uses a double bar design.

The bikes could also be equipped with either “streamlined” handlebars or “steerhorn” handlebars and also a two speed was available. This fork was optional so you will find Zeps made by both Snyder and CWC equipped with either truss or spring forks. Vintage Bicycle Schwinn Tandem Town Country Twinn Tandem Bicycle Panther American Corvette Vintage Schwinn Twinn Nos Pts Vintage Steel Vgc Campagnolo Hornet Wasp Panther Phantom Bicycle Steel Vgc Campagnolo Vintage Steel Vgc Campagnolo Vintage Sears Free Spirit Bicycle Made In Chicago Usa Panther Phantom Wasp B6 Monark Elgin Schwinn Prewar Vintage Raleigh Grand Prix Krate Antique Bike Schwinn. To complicate things even further though Wards sold bikes (not just Zeps) with the, new for ’39, CWC shockmaster fork (pic). For 1939 Wards again used both Snyder and CWC products.

1939 wards hawthorne bicycle