How to tell the age of a Union Bicycle

[Ganserelli]

Hello all, I recently obtained a Union Bicycle(previously posted about it seeking info about the crank arm) and now I am trying to figure out the age of the bike. Please see the pictures attached and let me know if anyone tell me how old it is! Thanks in advance, Joe.

[m-gineering]

Hello all, I recently obtained a Union Bicycle(previously posted about it seeking info about the crank arm) and now I am trying to figure out the age of the bike. Please see the pictures attached and let me know if anyone tell me how old it is! Thanks in advance, Joe.

Try looking for a datecode on the coasterbrake

[Ganserelli]

Thanks Marten! I have a lot of rust to clean off to see it, but looking coward to the result.

[rowejon]

Hi Joe,
As club members we get a handy little book, the title translated is How Old Is This Bike? I read your frame number as 228048.This would date the bike to between the end of the war & 1949. To me the mudguards have the correct profile for that period.
Best wishes
Jon

[Ganserelli]

Hi Joe,
As club members we get a handy little book, the title translated is How Old Is This Bike? I read your frame number as 228048.This would date the bike to between the end of the war & 1949. To me the mudguards have the correct profile for that period.
Best wishes
Jon

Thanks so much Jon, that is amazing! Thanks for the insight really appreciate it! I am looking forward to getting this bicycle fixed up and on the road.

[Ganserelli]

I finished the bike, up leaving the rust and patina, but got the mechanicals working. I replaced the bottom bracket and found a crankset that I had to tap out as it was slightly too small for the crank axle. A couple pictures, including one of my 2014 Kona Paddy Wagon that I think is sort of a grandson to this bicycle. Thank everyone for their advice!

[ReinvB]

Congratulations with your bike, but what happened to the mudguards and bagage carrier ? I would have kept them on, because they really are part of the appearance of the bicycle, but maybe you dont have rain and dirty roads where you live. Nice that you managed to find a crankset that works with this bicycle.

[Ganserelli]

Congratulations with your bike, but what happened to the mudguards and bagage carrier ? I would have kept them on, because they really are part of the appearance of the bicycle, but maybe you dont have rain and dirty roads where you live. Nice that you managed to find a crankset that works with this bicycle.

Hi ReinvB, I kept the mudguards and baggage carrier, and I will put them on, I wanted to see what a hot rod Dutch bike would be like first.