Mystery Viking

Submitted by Brian R. on Thu, 05/21/2015 - 14:15

I have tried to find out which company made the Viking bicycle brand and where it was made without any luck. I understand there is a British brand with that name but I don't believe this is a British bike. It spent its life in Michigan where I picked it up, the hub brake was made by the Eclipse Machine Co. in Elmira, N.Y., and the wood rims are also American made. Attached is a photo of the head badge before I shined it up. The paint is original with a green starburst, and the chain is one-inch pitch. I believe this bike was made in the teens. I added the red tires and carbide lamp. Someone suggested to me that the black painted wood rims could point toward Viking being one of numerous Pope brands since that was a Pope tradition, but I have no other clues. Sorry this is not a vintage Canadian bike question, but if anyone can help me out with any information or clues I would appreciate it. Thanks. -Brian R.

3 Comments

Submitted by Brian R. on Thu, 05/21/2015 - 14:35.

Hopefully the photos will now be visible

vikingbadge2.jpg vikingattbp.jpg vikingsideview.jpg

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Thu, 05/21/2015 - 15:51.

Here is a listing for Viking bicycle from the Wheelmen archive,  Viking-(M) Union Manufacturing Company, Toledo OH, 1895-1898 

It certainly appears to be a US bike.

Also put your query on the Cabe site, direct it to Catfish (Head badge guru)

Submitted by Brian R. on Fri, 05/22/2015 - 14:44.

Thanks for replying. I had seen the Wheelmen list but had concluded my bike was from the teens so I thought it must not be from that company. Although it says 1895-1898, if the company survived another decade or two perhaps under different ownership then it would be a likely match. I could try to check advertising from Toledo in the war years to see if anything comes up. Thanks for the tip on the Cabe site and the head badge guru, I will give that a try. -Brian R.