Old old chains still in the box?
09-14-23, 08:46 AM
#1
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Old old chains still in the box?
I found these in a scrap pile. I think their NOS, but "with shop wear" would be an understatement. The Kippo chain has a bit more rust on one side, but with cleaning and Evaporust I think these would look like a new chain on what ever vintage these are. So that's the big question. How old are these? The Crown chain is made in West Germany and distributed out of the Rollfast building. So I'm guessing early 50's.
Any Post War chain experts in the house?
Any Post War chain experts in the house?
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09-14-23, 09:32 AM
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Search eBay for skip tooth bicycle chain. Crazy prices, even for old, dirty, and rusty ones.
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09-14-23, 10:12 AM
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I checked ebay and the prices are kind of wild. Taking a closer look, the chains have broken links on the end. I'm not sure if that's because their used, or just "cut" to leangth at the factory. The other value consideration is whether to clean ultrasonically and soak in evaporate or leave in their natural state...
09-16-23, 05:58 PM
#4
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They look used in the pics. There should be a press fit master link in the box wrapped in oil paper in the middle of the coil. They also came in different lengths.
used, $20-$45. New, the Diamond would get $80-$120
The diamond is the better name.
I sell used skippers for $25 at the bike swap. $35 cleaned.
Check the side plates to see if the stamping matches the make on the box.
used, $20-$45. New, the Diamond would get $80-$120
The diamond is the better name.
I sell used skippers for $25 at the bike swap. $35 cleaned.
Check the side plates to see if the stamping matches the make on the box.
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09-16-23, 09:19 PM
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Be sure to note the length in any case, hopefully if the number of links is noted on the box flap, the chains match.
09-17-23, 06:29 PM
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They look used in the pics. There should be a press fit master link in the box wrapped in oil paper in the middle of the coil. They also came in different lengths.
used, $20-$45. New, the Diamond would get $80-$120
The diamond is the better name.
I sell used skippers for $25 at the bike swap. $35 cleaned.
Check the side plates to see if the stamping matches the make on the box.
used, $20-$45. New, the Diamond would get $80-$120
The diamond is the better name.
I sell used skippers for $25 at the bike swap. $35 cleaned.
Check the side plates to see if the stamping matches the make on the box.
Last edited by zukahn1; 09-17-23 at 08:02 PM.
09-17-23, 06:37 PM
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Thanks for the info. I'll clean them up and see what I've got.
09-22-23, 01:44 PM
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I'd be careful buying really old chains like that in boxes, as BITD, people tend to put their worn out chains in the box where their new replacement chains were in and throw it in a tool box, instead of throwing them out.
so, it would be good to check closely the chain for signs of wear and stretching before you buy them.
so, it would be good to check closely the chain for signs of wear and stretching before you buy them.
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83 Davidson Signature
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84 Gitane Tour de France.
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86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
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09-23-23, 04:27 AM
#9
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Even old rusty 1" pitch chains are worth money these days. They're getting hard to find when you need one.
I regret selling off so many of my old skip link chains years ago ever time I find a prewar ride that needs a good chain.
I did save a few boxes of new chains but those are for the better bikes and I'm not wasting them on a daily rider if I can help it.
I was watching a few pretty rough looking chains, both too short for a 26" bike last year around this time and both sold for upwards of $60, and both were likely just parts at best.
Earlier block type 1" pitch chain is even more valuable, with clean or new examples bringing upwards of $200.
I regret selling off so many of my old skip link chains years ago ever time I find a prewar ride that needs a good chain.
I did save a few boxes of new chains but those are for the better bikes and I'm not wasting them on a daily rider if I can help it.
I was watching a few pretty rough looking chains, both too short for a 26" bike last year around this time and both sold for upwards of $60, and both were likely just parts at best.
Earlier block type 1" pitch chain is even more valuable, with clean or new examples bringing upwards of $200.
