C. Munson Toronto

Submitted by oldy57 on Tue, 03/01/2016 - 22:48

I have an old pocket size book from C. Munson Toronto, dated 1912. The book only has 1 new bicycle sold by them. It is 1912 British Bicycle. The bike is manufacturedby the Glasgow Cycle Co. of Glasgow. The bikes have this name on them. Steel nickel plated enamel center on the rims, New Departure hubs, mudguards, Lycett Imperial saddle, skip tooth chain, American adjustable bars nickel plated with grips to match the frame. Has anyone seen one of these bikes or a headbadge.There is only 1 picture of this bike but hard to see details. No badge picture.  

The store over 500 used bikes for sale.  In the book are the following bikes with small description, no pictures. Massey Harris, Cleveland, Brantford, Perfect, Warwick, Planet, Rambler, Crescent, Imperial, Argyle, E&D, Munson, Pierce, Rudge Witeworth, Daytonia, Greydound, Dominion, Royal, Gold Medal, Erroll, Cornell, Gendron, Hyslop, Hartford, Stearns, Keen, Columbia, Union, Antelope, Diamond, Regal, Dayton, Quickstep, Excelsior, McBurney  Beatie, Special Roadster, American, Berlin, Trooper, Crosby, Leader, Ivanhoe, Columbus, Spalding, Racycle, Crawford, Kensington, Stark, Sutton, Speed Queen, Eclipse. They had many of each of these bikes, some only one in stock. A lot of them are probably from small stores with their own names on them. Only 2 bikes were not black, 1 red and 1 maroon

5 Comments

Submitted by jdwillia on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 01:24.

Hi Oldy 57,

I have the same catalogue. The predominance of black paint also struck me. If I recall correctly, the used bicycles are grouped according to price. I think that the gearing on the bikes may also be given.

 John Williamson

Submitted by oldy57 on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 10:08.

Yes John the used bikes have the gearing, tire brand and rear hubs and are grouped by price, from $40 down to $8.

Submitted by Brian R. on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 15:54.

Very Interesting. Can you tell me please the information listed under the Planet, and Speed Queen bikes?

Submitted by oldy57 on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 18:37.

Speed Queen bikes are ladies, black, 22" frame, 66 gear, single tube tire, adjustable handlebars(the bars can be loosened in the stem)  ladies 21" frame, 64 gear, double tube tires(neumatic)adjustable bars.

Boys 18" planet, new departure brake, 60 gear, Dunlop tires, adjustable bars, This bike is new.

Gents 22" Planet, 80 gear, adjustable bars, new departure brake, Dunlop tires, both covers are new(tires) bike is newly plated and enameled.

Gents 24" Planet, 80 gear, adjustable bars, roller chain, new departure brake, new Dunlop tires.

Gents 24" Planet, 81 gear, new roller chain, newly enameled and plated, new departure brake, extension handlebars.

 

Submitted by T-Mar on Thu, 03/03/2016 - 08:17.

The majority of the brands are from known turn of the century manufacturers with a heavy bias to Toronto based manufactruers, but that is no suprise. It's quite valuable in that it allows us to extend are known timeframes for many brands. Thxs for posting.