oldrusty

It has all CCM parts, Hubs/crank/chainring etc. But the Badge Says Humphrey and Torontro, Canada. I assume CCM once made bikes for them? or they made bikes with CCM parts? There is little info on the internet about this company, although I did iscover a name "Humphrey Cycle and Motor Company" relating to a book/brochure about "joycycles"

Can anyone tell me the year? or any other info. It would be greatly appreciated

T-Mar

The double top tube CCM model was the Motorbike. Check for a serial number. Based on the format, we can tell if it was manufactured by CCM, and if so, we can identify the year.

oldrusty

Ya i think it does look like the motorbike, but it also looks like the Rambler frame, no? are the serial numbers generally under the Bottom bracket on these guys?

T-Mar

Rambler was a name CCM applied to their economical, war time models. It was used in conjunction with the peace time name (i.e. Rambler Motorbike) so the customer could relate. Both used the same frames, but the Rambler version was less opulently finished. The Rambler name would be resurrected in the 1960s for a new model line.

Motorbike was both a common model name and a generic term used for any twin top tube bicycles. The name was applied because the twin top tubes were characteristic of early motorcycle designs.

If it's a CCM manufactured frame, the serial number could appear in a number of different places, depending on the exact vintage. If it's not CCM, then it could be anywhere. I'd start at the top of the seat tube and proceed down the tube to the bottom bracket. That covers the 3 most common locations. After that, just inspect every inch of frame.

oldrusty

Hey It was right infront of my nose! Top left side if the seat tube. I belive it reads 1D4114. is there any way to find out more about the bike from this? I think that means it was made in 1940. But I am still very curious about the Humphrey Bicycle and Motor Company and what role they played.

T-Mar

Yes, that's a CCM serial number and it does represent 1940. It's the equivelent of a CCM Rambler Motorbike. While I don't have any price lists for 1940, I do have 1939 and 1941, so assuming that Humphrey's prices were competitive with CCM, I would expect an original price of $40.00 - $42.50.

CCM was the result of an amalgamation of several companies and they continued to market under these brand names, but Humphrey was not one of them. I suspect Humphrey was simply a retail car and bicycle dealer, as opposed to to a manufacturer or assembler. They likely were a CCM dealer and also contracted to CCM for a private label brand. It was a very common practice.

I would suggest you start your search at the Toronto Public Library. A 1940 telephone directory will uncover the address and if you're real lucky, a yellow pages ad. They should also have a period business directory , which may include Humphrey's and list further info, such as date of establishment, size, sales, etc. By going though subsequent directories (telephone and/or business) you can determine when they went out of business. Once you have the address, pay a visit to the address. It's possible the original building is still standing and that can give you a good idea of the size and type of business. The current occupants may even have some info or be able to direct you to long time local residents who do. I'd appreciate knowing what you find out. Please do this via the Private Message sytstem, as it's easy to miss postings in open threads.

todd1969

hi just wondering if you ever found out any info on the humphrey double bar bike ,, my brother found one today in a barn , him and i are into collecting bicycles , and weve never knew that humphrey made a bike , weve got two 1935 and a 1939 ccm double bar bikes , had 1937 ,1939 and two 1940s but sold them , im new to this site , so ill post pics when i get a chance thanks

oldrusty

I was not able to find a whole lot of info. but a guy on here named Tmar gave me the most: (quoting him)

Yes, that's a CCM serial number and it does represent 1940. It's the equivelent of a CCM Rambler Motorbike. While I don't have any price lists for 1940, I do have 1939 and 1941, so assuming that Humphrey's prices were competitive with CCM, I would expect an original price of $40.00 - $42.50.

CCM was the result of an amalgamation of several companies and they continued to market under these brand names, but Humphrey was not one of them. I suspect Humphrey was simply a retail car and bicycle dealer, as opposed to to a manufacturer or assembler. They likely were a CCM dealer and also contracted to CCM for a private label brand. It was a very common practice.

I would suggest you start your search at the Toronto Public Library. A 1940 telephone directory will uncover the address and if you're real lucky, a yellow pages ad. They should also have a period business directory , which may include Humphrey's and list further info, such as date of establishment, size, sales, etc. By going though subsequent directories (telephone and/or business) you can determine when they went out of business. Once you have the address, pay a visit to the address. It's possible the original building is still standing and that can give you a good idea of the size and type of business. The current occupants may even have some info or be able to direct you to long time local residents who do. I'd appreciate knowing what you find out. Please do this via the Private Message sytstem, as it's easy to miss postings in open threads.

(end quote)

there is a humphrey delivery bicycle at the science/history museum in ottawa, there is a small picture of it on the website.

let me know when you get some pictures, id love to compare them. and Ill send you some of mine when im done restoring it.

75bug

Hi
I just picked up one of these today. Appears as though a previous owner has cut off the top bar. Just wondering is there any value in this make/model/vintage. Would it be worth it to have someone weld in a top bar and restore? I was just planning on cleaning it up and riding it the way it is anyway.

75bug

Serial number on mine is 1A7129. Can anyone decipher the year from this?

Thanks