Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - WWII Swiss Army Bicycle... Thoughts?

Okay... here's the dealio, my mom has this antique World War II Swiss Army bicycle that, as far as I know, is 100% authentic. It's pretty amazing. It's heavy, has a tiny bit of rust, and the leather has seen better days, so yeah, she can use just a little bit of TLC, but IS in good shape.

Unfortunately, neither of us know what this thing could possibly be worth and my mom is thinking it's time to let it go. I know a thing or two about older bikes, but nothing like this so I told her I'd ask you guys in the C&V board, as you guys know your sh*t!

So, I took some pictures and finally (finally) got them uploaded. Take a look... I'd love to hear your thoughts so I can discuss with her our options... My mom and I really appreciate your help!

Okay, here we go:

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-01.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-02.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-03.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-04.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-05.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-06.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-07.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-08.jpg

http://www.tsururadio.com/wwiibike/WWII-09.jpg

Thanks!!! :)

I'd love to own one of those lol, some person here is selling it for 1000$ with none of of that neat stuff on it, I'm not sure but I think 1000$ is to much but thats just me. though this one looks pretty nice so if I had the cash on hand and it was local I would lol

Edit: Oh my bad, but this is what I saw for sale. 1,000$ price tag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/demonic_inu/9890kjm_20.jpg

thanks for moving... sorry, didn't see the subforum.

I'd love to own one of those lol, some person here is selling it for 1000$ with none of of that neat stuff on it, I'm not sure but I think 1000$ is to much but thats just me. though this one looks pretty nice so if I had the cash on hand and it was local I would lol

Edit: Oh my bad, but this is what I saw for sale. 1,000$ price tag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/demonic_inu/9890kjm_20.jpg



lol, love those wingnuts! I think the Swiss Army WWII got a little more going on it than this one though..

Looks cool. I can appreciate the past don't I dont' want to ride it.

Due to the "army" part, these things go for a pretty good amount. Best bet would be to investigate what is involved in shipping it, then put it up on Ebay. IF it is all original, I'd think $1,000+.

I don't know that much about these, though I have seen a couple. If somebody "restored" it 20 years ago, you could have a seat and fenders and all that aren't the originals, and that would drop the value down. Same with those bags.

That's a real paratrooper folding bike. Historically important, very rare, and it looks in good shape. I believe they were selling those Swiss bikes in a catalog a few years back. Regardless, they're good collectors.

I think the military type of bikes are quite a special piece that appeals to more than just bicycle fanatics. I know a lot of people out there who collect military pieces regardless of what it is and your bike looks truly looks like museum quality/condition.

I would try to dig for all the info I could on the bike's history and post it on ebay/CL. Possibly look into any Museums that may be interested? I had a friend who's dad sold some baseball memorabilia to a museum once. It was literally, "Hi I have so and so would you be interested in taking a look and possibly purchasing it?" - "Yes".

that's a great suggestion! A museum...... Very interesting! I think I'll start looking up what I need to, well, look up to see if a military museum would be interested.

See if you can contact the Swiss. Most armys keep good records of their equipment. Knowing the history of this specific bike could be interesting.

The bike in the lower pix is a BSA Paratrooper , NOT Swiss.

See if you can contact the Swiss. Most armys keep good records of their equipment. Knowing the history of this specific bike could be interesting.

man, how do you go about contacting the swiss? it's a great idea!

Apparently, a LBS my mom took it to, offered $400 for a part. She couldn't describe which part to me on the phone, but it had a serial number on it apparently. (man, this is difficult to do from over a 1,000 miles away).

Dang.

If an LBS is offering that money for a part, it means they probably either have one, or know someone that does, that's incomplete and needs that piece to finish it. I wouldn't sell. What you just said leads me to believe that the whole thing should NEVER be parted, and is worth a LOT....probably well over a grand.

Here's a possibility....call that shop and ask if they have parts for it, or a whole one. See what they say. If they offered that money, they know what it is.