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1940 Columbia "Special" Bicycle

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Belknap's loves20 of 23My Mother's Bicycle 19411930's  Bicycle
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    Posted 14 years ago

    oldfastford
    (1 item)

    This is an all original (minus drop stand bar) Columbia built (1940 Special) built for Montag Blue Horse as a promotional prize for the most loose leaf paper labels sent in that year. In 1935 when they started the top prizes were 8 (real) ponies. In 36 they switched to bicycles and only gave away 425 each year. This one has the rear drop stand clip on the fender with flat fender struts. The flat struts were discontinued in 38. It has a Montag Blue Horse headbadge and the tank says "Ride a Winner Blue Horse Special!" The lower diagonal tube has a "Special" water transfer on it also. Approximately only 6400 were made. I have yet to see a picture or even any mention of another one anywhere. I'm pretty sure it is a one of a kind.......ONLY PAID $10 FOR IT with a coat of silver spray paint.....

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    Comments

    1. Vontrike Vontrike, 14 years ago
      My military bicycle had the custom rattle can silver too. At least it comes off easy with lacquer thinner. Anyway, thats a kool bike.
    2. shottims shottims, 14 years ago
      Really cool that it still has the streamers, and decals are really nice. Nice find.
    3. a58ster, 13 years ago
      I have a Blue Horse bicyle from early 1950's that has the Montag Blue Horse on the head piece and made by Columbia. I am going to restore the bicycle and would like as much infoon these bicycles that anyone may have. Thanks, Jim
    4. oldfastford, 13 years ago
      The company went out of business in 51 or 52. The information I gave is from the caretaker of the Company family cemetary.
    5. oldfastford, 13 years ago
      BicycleBones on Ebay has some of the decals, I have extras
    6. browning72, 12 years ago
      Hi OldFastFord- My dad has one of these bicycles in new condition. He sent in the trademarks for it and never rode the bicycle. At one time he cleaned the bicycle and rubbed some of the BlueHorse label off the bike head piece. He is fighting cancer now and I would LOVE to get a new label for him for his bike. Can you point me to where I could get one?? Thanks!!!!
    7. oldfastford, 12 years ago
      Thank you for the response. I am sorry to hear about your dad, I lost mom from cancer in March. Sorry, there are only replacement Columbia water transfer decals, not the hand painted Blue Horse ones. It could be worse. He could have had top prize in 35 and not have a Pony to show for it.......You could not put a price on his bike: original owner, original condition....priceless in my book.

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