Understanding the age and origin of a vintage bicycle can be fascinating for collectors and enthusiasts. For Murray Bikes, a popular brand with a long history, serial numbers are key to unlocking this information. This guide will delve into the serial number system used by Murray, helping you identify the year of manufacture and potentially the model of your Murray bike.
Murray utilized a single letter to denote the production year as early as 1949. Up until the early 1960s, these serial numbers were typically stamped on the bottom of the bottom bracket. Many of these early models also featured the letters “MOS,” which are believed to stand for “Murray of Ohio Supply.” The serial format generally followed this pattern: MOS – [Year Letter] [Model Number]. The year is represented by a single letter, succeeded by a two or three-digit model number. It’s important to note that this system primarily applies to Murray-branded bikes and excludes those manufactured for retailers like Sears (marked with “502”) and Gambles (Hiawatha, marked with “WG” or “WG” followed by a digit). Sears and Gambles bikes had their own numbering systems, often resembling part numbers used in their catalogs.
Here’s a breakdown of the single-letter year codes used by Murray from 1949 to 1965:
- F = 1949
- G = 1950
- H = 1951
- I = 1952
- J = 1953
- K = 1954
- L = 1955
- M = 1956
- N = 1957
- P = 1958
- R = 1959
- S = 1960
- T = 1961
- U = 1962
- W = 1963
- X = 1964
- Y = 1965
In 1965, Murray transitioned to a new serial number style, relocating the stamp to the left rear dropout of the frame. Some 1965 bikes feature a prefix like “MO5,” signifying “Murray of Ohio 1965.” This “MO” prefix system continued for a few years:
- MO5 = 1965
- MO6 = 1966
- MO7 = 1967
- MO8 = 1968
By 1969, Murray implemented another change, dropping the “O” from the prefix and introducing a four-digit model number. The system then became:
- M9 = 1969
- M0 = 1970
And so on, with subsequent numbers following the decade.
Beyond year and model identification, Murray serial numbers can also reveal if a bike was produced for a specific retailer. An “X” number preceding the serial number indicates a special order for a particular store. While the exact details of this system are still being researched, some of the identified “X” codes include:
- X6 or X6? = Otasco
- X7 = BF Goodrich
- X10 = Westernflyer (Western Auto)
- X12 = All Pro (Kmart)
- X13 = Murray (standard Murray branded bikes)
- X18 = Hiawatha (Gambles)
- X25 = Foremost (JC Penneys)
- X28 = ? (unknown retailer)
- X43 = Murray
- X55 = Murray
- X67 = Sportscrest
- X69 = Special for 1969 (potentially used in other years with different meanings)
- X70 = Special for 1970 (potentially used in other years with different meanings)
- X71 = Sportscrest (?) / Special for 1971 (potentially used in other years with different meanings)
- X81 = Murray
- X82 = Murray
- X83 = Might actually be a Sears number
- X84 = Murray
Decoding Murray bike serial numbers offers a valuable glimpse into the history of these classic bicycles. While ongoing research continues to refine our understanding, this guide provides a solid foundation for identifying the year and potentially the retailer associated with your Murray bike.
