Submitted by Mark McGuire on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 09:56.
A bit more material on the Wartime bicycles and specifications.
I created a summary sheet on the Wartime Bicycle manufacturing specifications published within the 'Canadian War Orders and Regulations' (1943) by 'The Wartime Prices and Trade Board' - administrator's order No. A-694 and orders number C.S. 39 and C.S, 39-A to curtail the use of metal and rubber.
1943 Wartime Specified CCM Bicycles were built to the original Canadian War Orders and Regulations (1943) published by The Wartime Price and Trade Board. Black frame, black rims and black fenders with wooden pedals, CCM head transfer for emblem - serial number xKxxxx
1944 built as 1943 but may have introduced the zinc pedals - serial number xLxxxx
1945 built as 1943 but with zinc pedals per 1945 catalogue - serial number xNxxxx
1946 introduced maroon paint on frame, mud guard ivory or ‘Ashes of Roses’ (?) May have had more chromium plated components (?) CCM head transfer for emblem - serial number xPxxxx
Here is my 1945 Ladies CCM, serial number 2N0534. From its condition it seems to have not been messed with over the years so I believe the saddle and rear Dunlop Imperial tire to be original to the bike. It was sold new at Smelly's Cycle and Radio on Queen St. Toronto.
I'm not sure about the stem and bar. The stem is strange because it's flat with squared off edges, not rounded like the one on Mark's bike. The bar looks like cheap '60s chrome that's rusting. It makes me wonder if the original bar was not plated and so an owner swapped it out later, keeping the grips. ...but who knows?
That rear tyre is definitely a post war replacement. The war version of the Dunlop Imperial employed a tread pattern comprised of rib connected square and hexagonal studs. This style was used until at least 1950. Sometime during the period of 1951-1954 it was replaced by the version shown, with the wavy ribs.
I don't know if the subject stem is original or not but it would be compliant with the "no extension" clause and the finish could also be compliant, depending on the finish restrictions in place at the time.
The regulations in Schedule A-694 are somewhat open, allowing for future changes to materials and finish, depending on future availability. What is firmly established in clauses1 and 2a through 2i had been jointly established between the government and CCM during 1941. In fact, these were already put in place by CCM during the late summer of 1941. One could argue that CCM steered the government into tailoring the regulations, so that they would be favourable to CCM (i.e. having the least impact) while still making a substantial contribution to the conservation of wartime materials.
Logistically, this makes perfect sense, given CCM's position of dominace in the Canadian bicycle industry. Allowing CCM to make use of a much existing tooling as possible, would have minimal impact on the consumer and retailler. CCM was Canada's largest, most experienced bicycle manufacturer, so it was logcal for the government to consult them on the regulations for a war time bicycle.
In early September, 1941, CCM dealers received notifcation that the bicycle product line had been by reduced by approximately half. There would be no more Motorbike models, Balloon tyre models, Delivery bicycles or Flyers and Custom Built Professional racers. The public could be adequately served by the models built around the standard men's and ladies' roadster frames. Motobikes used extra material in the 2nd top tube and truss fork, while the Balloon tyre models used more rubber and steel for the tyres, mudguards and rims. The discontination of the Delivery bicycles, Flyers and Pro Racer freed up more high strength, lightweight steel, critical to the wartime aviation industry.
What CCM was building later, from 1943-1945, was really the 2nd stage of what was put into effect in September 1941. The 1941 material conservation moves would have had a far greater effect than the changes introduced from 1943 onwards. It can be argued that CCM's war grade bicycles actually started with the 1942 model line reduction and that the 1943 to 1945 models were simply a further development. The problem with this is that most owners have a hard time considering something 1942 to be a war grade bicycle, when it looks identical to a pre-war bicycle. However, these 1942 bicycles still comply with the requirements of the regulations that would follow.
What I find most revealing is the main regulation itself, with the bicycle manufacturing permits and the "restrictions" on volume. Both CCM and the government realized that bicycles would play an essential part in transportation of the civilian workers that would manufacture the supplies for the war effort. The amount of material required to build an average 2 door sedan that could transport only 6 people at most, could be used to build almost 100 bicycles. Once gas rationing came into effect, bicycles made even more sense. Building bicycles made far more effective use of raw materials for transporting the civilian workforce.
To this end, the CCM's bicycle manufacturing was monitored but largely uncontrolled during World War II. Though CCM would eventually have to make some relatively minor substitutions, they never had major problems obtaining the necessary material to manufacture bicycles. Also, production was never restricted , as commonly believed. The war was an unprecented boom era for CCM and the Canadian bicycle industry as a whoie. Government records show that industry bicycle production during the war years was up 50% over the same time period immediately prior to the war.
CCM was most fortunate with the war. Unlike other manufacturers, they did not have to seek a new product line and subsequent re-tool and re-train workers. They were able to retain the old product line and, in fact, simplified it. They played a substantial part in creating the regulations that would be legislated, so they were largely self-imposed. Problems with material availability were largely non-existent, being confined to some relatively minor substitutions in the closing years. Finally, there were no apparent restrctions on volume, with bicycle production actually increasing during the war.
While I was being directed to a parking spot at the High River Alberta fall car show in 2021, I spotted a familiar shape of a loop frame bicycle being placed in a junktiques dealers display. Prior to registering I went straight to the bicycle, first I spotted the decal behind the basket, then checked the serial number 4N5577 a few letters earlier than the S on my 47, the bike was dirty and greasy on the bottom bracket and hubs, front Dunlop Imperial tire was flat , but very straight fenders, pinstripping intact, the decal suffered some wear from the basket but very bright. We agreed on a reasonable price and the bike was walked back to my car before 9 am.
I searched the serial number which indicated it was a 1945 model, a Premier Cycle Works, Calgary decal was on the down tube. I was driving my 65 Plymouth Satellite which has a good size trunk but not big enough for a bike with fenders. I had tools, but from past experience these old bikes can be stuborn to dismantle. A buddies brother was at the show with his 55 Chev pickup and didn't mind putting a bike in the box, problem solved.
The bike cleaned up very well with polishing compound and wax, original beehive grips in excellent condtion, the Dunlop tires and Wrights #8 saddle were cracked from years of storage, not roadworthy. I like to ride my bikes, the basket was removed. (My girlfriend insist "that was a big mistake")
Premier Cycle Works sold the bicycle, they were located ar 132 7 ave E Calgary. Premier opened their business 1913 as Premier Cycle Agency at 107 7 Ave W until 1917 then changed the name to Premier Cycle Works until 1946 when name was changed to Premier Cycle and Sporting Goods located at 319 7 Ave W from 1949 to 1970.
I recently purchased a 1940 CCM bicycle that was branded as a Premier Cycle Works Red Wing, painted a medium blue, ashes of roses fenders and chrome chain guard. The rims are Dunlop with the red and white painted center, John Bull grips and Lycett saddle top off the Premier bicycle.While I was being directed to a parking spot at the High River Alberta fall car show in 2021, I spotted a familiar shape of a loop frame bicycle being placed in a junktiques dealers display. Prior to registering I went straight to the bicycle, first I spotted the decal behind the basket, then checked the serial number 4N5577 a few letters earlier than the S on my 47, the bike was dirty and greasy on the bottom bracket and hubs, front Dunlop Imperial tire was flat , but very straight fenders, pinstripping intact, the decal suffered some wear from the basket but very bright. We agreed on a reasonable price and the bike was walked back to my car before 9 am.
I searched the serial number which indicated it was a 1945 model, a Premier Cycle Works, Calgary decal was on the down tube. I was driving my 65 Plymouth Satellite which has a good size trunk but not big enough for a bike with fenders. I had tools, but from past experience these old bikes can be stuborn to dismantle. A buddies brother was at the show with his 55 Chev pickup and didn't mind putting a bike in the box, problem solved.
The bike cleaned up very well with polishing compound and wax, original beehive grips in excellent condtion, the Dunlop tires and Wrights #8 saddle were cracked from years of storage, not roadworthy. I like to ride my bikes, the basket was removed. (My girlfriend insist "that was a big mistake")
Premier Cycle Works sold the bicycle, they were located ar 132 7 ave E Calgary. Premier opened their business 1913 as Premier Cycle Agency at 107 7 Ave W until 1917 then changed the name to Premier Cycle Works until 1946 when name was changed to Premier Cycle and Sporting Goods located at 319 7 Ave W from 1949 to 1970.
I recently purchased a 1940 CCM bicycle that was branded as a Premier Cycle Works Red Wing, painted a medium blue, ashes of roses fenders and chrome chain guard. The rims are Dunlop with the red and white painted center, John Bull grips and Lycett saddle top off the Premier bicycle.
I just acquired a 1945 mens bike serial number 6N3581 a tiny portion of the head badge decal is intact.The bike is maroon with ashes of rose fenders, zinc pedals, single piece crank, maroon rims, the handle bars and headset cups appear to be blackened.The bike was well used and quite dirty at the moment. The bike is in Calgary.
A bit more material on the Wartime bicycles and specifications.
I created a summary sheet on the Wartime Bicycle manufacturing specifications published within the 'Canadian War Orders and Regulations' (1943) by 'The Wartime Prices and Trade Board' - administrator's order No. A-694 and orders number C.S. 39 and C.S, 39-A to curtail the use of metal and rubber.
file below
Thank you for taking the time to post that...very interesting
I am trying to identify in more detail the 'Wartime Specified CCM Bicycles'.
Based on what I have observed from other Wartime Spec’d CCM bikes, I have some ideas and theories.
If you have photos of an original paint 1943, 44, 45 or 46 CCM it will help confirm my thoughts.
Please post and share or email, photos and serial number of your bike if willing and possible. Thanks.
email mark.mcguire64@gmail.com .
Some thoughts I have are:
1943 Wartime Specified CCM Bicycles were built to the original Canadian War Orders and Regulations (1943) published by The Wartime Price and Trade Board. Black frame, black rims and black fenders with wooden pedals, CCM head transfer for emblem - serial number xKxxxx
1944 built as 1943 but may have introduced the zinc pedals - serial number xLxxxx
1945 built as 1943 but with zinc pedals per 1945 catalogue - serial number xNxxxx
1946 introduced maroon paint on frame, mud guard ivory or ‘Ashes of Roses’ (?) May have had more chromium plated components (?) CCM head transfer for emblem - serial number xPxxxx
Hi Mark,
I have a 1945 bike that is maroon with ashes of roses fenders. It has the wartime decal as a headbadge.
John Williamson
Here is my 1945 Ladies CCM, serial number 2N0534. From its condition it seems to have not been messed with over the years so I believe the saddle and rear Dunlop Imperial tire to be original to the bike. It was sold new at Smelly's Cycle and Radio on Queen St. Toronto.
Original 1945 Tire?:
I'm not sure about the stem and bar. The stem is strange because it's flat with squared off edges, not rounded like the one on Mark's bike. The bar looks like cheap '60s chrome that's rusting. It makes me wonder if the original bar was not plated and so an owner swapped it out later, keeping the grips. ...but who knows?
That rear tyre is definitely a post war replacement. The war version of the Dunlop Imperial employed a tread pattern comprised of rib connected square and hexagonal studs. This style was used until at least 1950. Sometime during the period of 1951-1954 it was replaced by the version shown, with the wavy ribs.
I don't know if the subject stem is original or not but it would be compliant with the "no extension" clause and the finish could also be compliant, depending on the finish restrictions in place at the time.
The regulations in Schedule A-694 are somewhat open, allowing for future changes to materials and finish, depending on future availability. What is firmly established in clauses1 and 2a through 2i had been jointly established between the government and CCM during 1941. In fact, these were already put in place by CCM during the late summer of 1941. One could argue that CCM steered the government into tailoring the regulations, so that they would be favourable to CCM (i.e. having the least impact) while still making a substantial contribution to the conservation of wartime materials.
Logistically, this makes perfect sense, given CCM's position of dominace in the Canadian bicycle industry. Allowing CCM to make use of a much existing tooling as possible, would have minimal impact on the consumer and retailler. CCM was Canada's largest, most experienced bicycle manufacturer, so it was logcal for the government to consult them on the regulations for a war time bicycle.
In early September, 1941, CCM dealers received notifcation that the bicycle product line had been by reduced by approximately half. There would be no more Motorbike models, Balloon tyre models, Delivery bicycles or Flyers and Custom Built Professional racers. The public could be adequately served by the models built around the standard men's and ladies' roadster frames. Motobikes used extra material in the 2nd top tube and truss fork, while the Balloon tyre models used more rubber and steel for the tyres, mudguards and rims. The discontination of the Delivery bicycles, Flyers and Pro Racer freed up more high strength, lightweight steel, critical to the wartime aviation industry.
What CCM was building later, from 1943-1945, was really the 2nd stage of what was put into effect in September 1941. The 1941 material conservation moves would have had a far greater effect than the changes introduced from 1943 onwards. It can be argued that CCM's war grade bicycles actually started with the 1942 model line reduction and that the 1943 to 1945 models were simply a further development. The problem with this is that most owners have a hard time considering something 1942 to be a war grade bicycle, when it looks identical to a pre-war bicycle. However, these 1942 bicycles still comply with the requirements of the regulations that would follow.
What I find most revealing is the main regulation itself, with the bicycle manufacturing permits and the "restrictions" on volume. Both CCM and the government realized that bicycles would play an essential part in transportation of the civilian workers that would manufacture the supplies for the war effort. The amount of material required to build an average 2 door sedan that could transport only 6 people at most, could be used to build almost 100 bicycles. Once gas rationing came into effect, bicycles made even more sense. Building bicycles made far more effective use of raw materials for transporting the civilian workforce.
To this end, the CCM's bicycle manufacturing was monitored but largely uncontrolled during World War II. Though CCM would eventually have to make some relatively minor substitutions, they never had major problems obtaining the necessary material to manufacture bicycles. Also, production was never restricted , as commonly believed. The war was an unprecented boom era for CCM and the Canadian bicycle industry as a whoie. Government records show that industry bicycle production during the war years was up 50% over the same time period immediately prior to the war.
CCM was most fortunate with the war. Unlike other manufacturers, they did not have to seek a new product line and subsequent re-tool and re-train workers. They were able to retain the old product line and, in fact, simplified it. They played a substantial part in creating the regulations that would be legislated, so they were largely self-imposed. Problems with material availability were largely non-existent, being confined to some relatively minor substitutions in the closing years. Finally, there were no apparent restrctions on volume, with bicycle production actually increasing during the war.
The stem and handlebar on Brian's wartime bicycle look like later items made by Raleigh.
While I was being directed to a parking spot at the High River Alberta fall car show in 2021, I spotted a familiar shape of a loop frame bicycle being placed in a junktiques dealers display.
Prior to registering I went straight to the bicycle, first I spotted the decal behind the basket, then checked the serial number 4N5577 a few letters earlier than the S on my 47, the bike was dirty and greasy on the bottom bracket and hubs, front Dunlop Imperial tire was flat , but very straight fenders, pinstripping intact, the decal suffered some wear from the basket but very bright. We agreed on a reasonable price and the bike was walked back to my car before 9 am.
I searched the serial number which indicated it was a 1945 model, a Premier Cycle Works, Calgary decal was on the down tube. I was driving my 65 Plymouth Satellite which has a good size trunk but not big enough for a bike with fenders. I had tools, but from past experience these old bikes can be stuborn to dismantle. A buddies brother was at the show with his 55 Chev pickup and didn't mind putting a bike in the box, problem solved.
The bike cleaned up very well with polishing compound and wax, original beehive grips in excellent condtion, the Dunlop tires and Wrights #8 saddle were cracked from years of storage, not roadworthy. I like to ride my bikes, the basket was removed. (My girlfriend insist "that was a big mistake")
Premier Cycle Works sold the bicycle, they were located ar 132 7 ave E Calgary. Premier opened their business 1913 as Premier Cycle Agency at 107 7 Ave W until 1917 then changed the name to Premier Cycle Works until 1946 when name was changed to Premier Cycle and Sporting Goods located at 319 7 Ave W from 1949 to 1970.
I recently purchased a 1940 CCM bicycle that was branded as a Premier Cycle Works Red Wing, painted a medium blue, ashes of roses fenders and chrome chain guard. The rims are Dunlop with the red and white painted center, John Bull grips and Lycett saddle top off the Premier bicycle.While I was being directed to a parking spot at the High River Alberta fall car show in 2021, I spotted a familiar shape of a loop frame bicycle being placed in a junktiques dealers display.
Prior to registering I went straight to the bicycle, first I spotted the decal behind the basket, then checked the serial number 4N5577 a few letters earlier than the S on my 47, the bike was dirty and greasy on the bottom bracket and hubs, front Dunlop Imperial tire was flat , but very straight fenders, pinstripping intact, the decal suffered some wear from the basket but very bright. We agreed on a reasonable price and the bike was walked back to my car before 9 am.
I searched the serial number which indicated it was a 1945 model, a Premier Cycle Works, Calgary decal was on the down tube. I was driving my 65 Plymouth Satellite which has a good size trunk but not big enough for a bike with fenders. I had tools, but from past experience these old bikes can be stuborn to dismantle. A buddies brother was at the show with his 55 Chev pickup and didn't mind putting a bike in the box, problem solved.
The bike cleaned up very well with polishing compound and wax, original beehive grips in excellent condtion, the Dunlop tires and Wrights #8 saddle were cracked from years of storage, not roadworthy. I like to ride my bikes, the basket was removed. (My girlfriend insist "that was a big mistake")
Premier Cycle Works sold the bicycle, they were located ar 132 7 ave E Calgary. Premier opened their business 1913 as Premier Cycle Agency at 107 7 Ave W until 1917 then changed the name to Premier Cycle Works until 1946 when name was changed to Premier Cycle and Sporting Goods located at 319 7 Ave W from 1949 to 1970.
I recently purchased a 1940 CCM bicycle that was branded as a Premier Cycle Works Red Wing, painted a medium blue, ashes of roses fenders and chrome chain guard. The rims are Dunlop with the red and white painted center, John Bull grips and Lycett saddle top off the Premier bicycle.
This is what I was able to generate so far. All bicycles in the chart have the Wartime Spec’d CCM head transfer for the emblem.
Cannot confirm if all these bicycles have original content but there definitely appears to be a trend.
Hello Mark and members
I just acquired a 1945 mens bike serial number 6N3581 a tiny portion of the head badge decal is intact.The bike is maroon with ashes of rose fenders, zinc pedals, single piece crank, maroon rims, the handle bars and headset cups appear to be blackened.The bike was well used and quite dirty at the moment. The bike is in Calgary.