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.

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

CWC Early Serial
Fig 1. Early Serial Number (Z)
cwc 37-41 cwc serial
Fig 2. 1936- May 1947

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.

CWC Dropstand Ears
Fig 3. CWC prewar dropout with 'ears'
CWC Postwar Dropouts
Fig 3-1. CWC postwar dropout no 'ears'
CWC Prewar Seat Binder
Fig 4. Prewar seatpost binder
CWC Postwar Seat Binder
Fig 4-1. Postwar seatpost binder
CWC Prewar Fender Bridge
Fig 5. Prewar fender bridge
CWC Postwar Fender Bridge
Fig 5-1. Postwar fender bridge

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).

CWC 47-49 Serial Number
Fig 6. May 1947 to about June 1949

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.

Note: CWC was purchased by AMF in April 1951

CWC 1949-1951 Serial Number
Fig 7. June 1949-December 1951 Serial number

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

CWC 1952-1956 Serial Number
Fig 8. 1952-1956 (1954 shown)

Serial number chart compiled from various sources.

1935-36

 

XX, Z, A

1st Qtr 1937

3rd Qtr 1937

Bxxxxx

3rd Qtr 1937

Mid 1938

Cxxxxx

Mid 1938

1st Qtr 1939

Dxxxxx

1st Qtr 1939

Dec 1939

Exxxxx

Dec 1939

Jul 1940

Fxxxxx

Jul 1940

Dec 1940

Gxxxxx

Dec 1940

Jan 1941

Hxxxxx

Jan 1941

Oct 1941

Jxxxxx

Oct 1941

Dec 1941

Kxxxxx

Jan 1942

Dec 1943

Axxxxx

Sep 1945

Jan 1946

Fxxxxx

Jan 1946

Apr 1946

Gxxxxx

Apr 1946

Aug 1946

Hxxxxx

Aug 1946

Dec 1946

Jxxxxx

Dec 1946

Feb 1947

Axxxxx

Feb 1947

May 1947

Bxxxxx

May 1947

Aug 1947

Cxxxxx Cw

*Aug 1947

Dec 1947

Dxxxxx Cw

Jan 1948

May 1948

Exxxxx Cw

May 1948

Sep 1948

Fxxxxx Cw

Sep 1948

Dec 1948

Gxxxxx Cw

Jan 1948

Mar 1948

Hxxxxx Cw

Mar 1948

Jun 1949

Jxxxxx Cw

Jun 1949

Sep 1949

Axxxxx ACw

Sep 1949

Jan 1950

Bxxxxx ACw

Jan 1950

Apr 1950

Cxxxxx ACw

Apr 1950

Jul 1950

Dxxxxx ACw

Jul 1950

Nov 1950

Exxxxx ACw

Nov 1950

Feb 1951

Fxxxxx ACw

Feb 1951

Jun 1951

Gxxxxx ACw

Jun 1951

Sep 1951

Hxxxxx ACw

Sep 1951

Dec 1951

Jxxxxx ACw

1952

 

Zxxxxx  52Cw

1953

 

Zxxxxx  53Cw

1954

 

Zxxxxx  54Cw

1955

 

Zxxxxx  55Cw

1956

 

Zxxxxx  56Cw

 

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