1898 Franklin ?

[Scott Parker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1898-...orcev4exp=true

[Sargehere]

Yes, Scott. That was written up in The Antique Motorcycle years ago. I don't remember the who and the when, but a couple of pretty prominent midwestern AMCA members restored it. It was surmised that it was pretty much the prototype for what Hendee and Hedstrom put into serial production shortly after as Indians, and was uncredited.

[exeric]

I saw that bike at Davenport back in the mid 90s. It was restored by Pete Bollenbach and my recollection was the experts said there was no way in the world that was of 1898 vintage; more likely another just another Indian clone.

[exeric]

I looked at the other items by that seller and saw the 1923(?) Big Chief. I also remember that bike and it too was done by Pete Bollenbach. It was made up of parts from almost every year of Big Chief. Nicely finished but not correct.