Hi,


Attached are a few pictures of my grandfather who was a police officer in Quincy, Massachusetts in the 1930's to late 1940's. I'm trying to identify these bikes. Please let me know if you have any information.

 

The one with the sidecar looks like an Indian Chief with that valanced front fender and fender ornament. I don't know about the other one, but it looks like a pre-valanced fender Indian to me, but that really just a guess.

 

they both look like Indians

 

They are both definitely Indians. The bike with the sidecar facing the front is at least a 1940. Indian introduced the valenced fenders in 1940. The leaf spring front end was used up til the early 40's. If you could see a close up of the horn, you could pin it down further.
The other bike is an open fendered model so that puts it 1939 or earlier. It's probably mid to late 30's.

 

Thanks for the replies. 31scout, you are correct on the second image. I discovered that it is likely a '39 Indian Scout. I feel a little silly asking about the first image, the fender gives it away as an Indian.

 

Krodsd, no need to feel silly. 20 years ago, before I was enamoured with these fendered Indians, I didn't know what they were either!

 

You might want to take a look at this website. You can use the "contact" tab to email the site. It looks like they might be able to help you identify the bikes.


http://americanpolicemotorcyclemuseum.com/