Comments on this '46 Chief Please.

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
Here are five examples of the second style of 1946 engine numbers including the number in question CDF3977. This second type of engine number is the one most commonly seen because more 1946 Chiefs were built with this style than the other two styles combined. The distinctive feature of the second series is the presence of 'serifs' or flourishes on the beginning and/or ends of the digit strokes. This style was used from around CDF1001 through CDF5000 (approximately). The number in question; CDF3977 falls into the second series of numbers and it does match the others to a degree where I would say that CDF3977 is a factory original stamping. Note that the '3' has a flat top. The first series also has a flat top, but the third series has a rounded '3'. Also note that the '7' has a short vertical header. The first series and the third series have '7's without the vertical header.

1946 Chief CDF3828.jpg1946 Chief CDF3929.jpg1946 Chief CDF3977.jpg1946 Chief CDF4095.jpg1946 Chief CDF4340.jpg

[Yellow53Chief]

Hi,
Here are five examples of the third style of 1946 engine numbers. This style was used from around CDF5001 through CDF7100 (approximately, which was the end of 1946 Chief production). The distinctive feature of the third series is the absence of 'serifs' and the rounded '3'. The digits used in the third series of 1946 numbers are the same as used for all of 1947 and 1948 Chief production. I don't advocate anyone restamping anything, but if one does decide to restamp an existing number or stamp a number into a replacement case that has never been stamped, it is critical that the correct stamps be chosen. Indian did change stamps more often than some people realize, so it is easy to choose the wrong stamps. For anyone wishing additional information, I can be reached through the private messenger or at baiste@sgu.edu Steven Bailey Yellow53Chief on the forums. The fifth photo; CDF6895 is slightly less deeply stamped than the other four. There was variation in stamping depth due to the human factor and the only certain conclusion is that frame stampings are almost always less deeply stamped than engine stampings because steel is much harder than aluminum. CDF6895 appears to be a factory original stamping and the slightly less deep stamping is not a big enough variation for me to call it anything else.

1946 Chief CDF5039.jpg1946 Chief CDF5189.JPG1946 Chief CDF5592.jpg1946 Chief CDF6292.jpg1946 Chief CDF6895.jpg

[Skirted]

Excellent detail as usual Yellow53Chief. Thank you for sharing.

Tobydog the 47 appears to be a more correct bike vs the 46 however pics aren't plentiful or conclusive enough when spending that kind of money. Hypothetically if VINs match on both I'd choose the 47. Can't see the frame VIN clearly in pic though. Again, why bother posting such a poor pic in the listing. I've noticed when you see the natural roughness of the casting smoothed off on the frame at VIN location, you need to closely scrutinize as that's the only way to re-stamp the frame VIN. Even though most weren't too deep, it still requires removal of metal to erase the original and that means disturbing the natural casting pattern.

As you are finding its difficult to locate a show ready, legit matching number, and properly represented bike on ebay. One reason is bikes that fit the description sell themselves for market prices without being advertised to the masses. Listing on ebay there is a much better chance of finding a buyer looking through rose colored glasses as well as folks that just don't care if there are issues with numbers or correctness.

[Green Indian]

"... its difficult to locate a show ready, legit matching number, and properly represented bike on ebay. One reason is bikes that fit the description sell themselves for market prices without being advertised to the masses." That's very true.

[terry01]

There is a barn find on eBay this week. It's blue. Can't give you the address, (I don't know how) but it's at 28K now. Last week it was at $18K. No reserve met. Somebody with more money than me please check it out.