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What can I learn of this antique CCM Humphrey Bike
Hi. I have this antique CCM Humphrey bike. It is marked "37". The closest age of the bike is 1937. It is in good condition. The only thing I see problem is the aged front tire is flat and too aged to hold air. I attached picture of the bike. I would love to hear your comments as to the value of the bike. Also what I can learn of the bike. Thank you so much. It has an otometer attached as well.
Hi Mike,
If it is marked '37 on the rear hub, that means it was made sometime between 1937 and the 1950s. If possible, can you post a photo of the badge on the front of the frame?
Where is the bike located? If you're interested in selling it, I would like to make an offer on it. I'm in Toronto, and you can reach me at brianrreynolds@yahoo.com (note extra r in the middle).
Hello Mike,
I believe that CCM owned Humphrey. The Humphrey catalogue that I have for 1940 offers mainly CCM bicycles (branded as "Humphrey") with a few English bicycles as well (probably Philips). Your bike was probably made between 1939 and late 1941. It was a higher priced "deluxe" model with Triplex crank, Dunlop 28 X 1 3/4 W.O. rims, and probably Gibson pedals. The front sprocket on non-CCM marketed bikes did not have CCM in the web. The head badge would be "Humphrey". With a few minor exceptions, the bike would be the same as a CCM from the same time period.
John Williamson
It's difficult to provide an opinion on value from that one photo. If the paint is 100% original and in good to excellent condition, it's at the upper end. If someone has attempted to "restore" it using spraypaint cans then it's at the lower end. The condition of the seat, rust on the rims, etc, also affects the value. Even where you live can be relevant. I'm thinking of a range from $150-300 depending on the above mentioned factors. If it is a truly exceptional original example, you might get $350.
This is from an annual report from "Russel Industries Limited" 1947.
I'm not sure when CCM acquired Humphrey.
Correction:
This is from an annual report from "Russell Industries Limited" 1946.
Mark, thank-you for posting the CCM Corporate Structure Chart. It helps to narrow down the year that CCM acquired Humphrey, which I had previously placed at 1946-1947. My research had uncovered 1946 material listing Albert Humphrey as president of Humphrey Bicycle & Motor Co. Ltd. and conflcting pieces of evidence for 1947, showing him as either president and vice-president. 1948 lists Braden as president, with Humphrey as Vice-President and Flavelle as secretary-treasurer.
It is logical that Humphrey would have been bumped from his position as president, by Braden, once CCM acquired it as a subsidiary. However, I could only narrow it down to sometime during 196-1947. Based on the chart, it now appears that it happened during 1946.
The timing is also logical when you look at the labour relations within CCM at the time and assmue that Humphrey was at least assembling bicycles.. CCM had acquired a commitment from the workforce not to strike for the duration of the war. However, after the war the workforce was moving towards unionization, which occured in 1947. Unions would bring increased wages, making it more difficult for CCM to compete at low prices. By acquiring Humphrey and operating at a non-unionized subsidiary, they could remain competitive in that market segement.
Below is the link where I found the info:
https://digital.library.mcgill.ca/hrcorpreports/pdfs/6/639007.pdf
It has not been repainted. I have many pictures of the bike. However I did not post others as I didnt know how to do so correctly. If you are interested in the pictures of the bike and any questions you may have. Please contact me at
micblanchard@sasktel.net
A faster process of giving you the images of the bike. I can send you the pictures with text. If you choose to do so, my number is 306 690 5182. Please specify who you are as well as what you would like to know. Thanks.