Golden Zephyr

1930s Manton Smith Golden Zephyr 

Manton and Smith was a Chicago, IL ornamental iron company that started building bike frames for other companies in the early 20’s. From about 1936 to 1953 the company manufactured its own line of bicycles. Among the more interesting features found on some Manton Smiths is the fork lock brazed to the head tube. Manton Smith also employed a unique spring fork. The prewar “Golden Zephyr” was perhaps their finest model.  Like other bikes of the time they were sold through distributors and retailers and a variety of head badges can be found on these bikes although they are fairly obscure.