As the holidays quickly approach, many of us seek to find something special to give to our significant other, or to our children. Christmas is always a great reason to get a “new” bike, and if you are looking for a way to get your spouse involved with something cool, or if you are looking to get a couple of sweet rides for your kids, then look no further than these Deco era Aluminum frame Hawthorne bicycles. A matching pair and in nice condition, these bikes would guarantee you and your spouse would be the coolest “kids” at the coming swap meets this year. These aluminum frame bikes have been going up in value, so the $1,350 asking price seems reasonable for this pair. Check them out here on ebay out of Bend, Oregon.

Typically known as the Hawthorne Duralium bikes, these beauties were sold by Montgomery Wards during the mid to late 1930’s. Born in the Art Deco era, there are some elegant features that certainly represent the time frame, like the frame shape on each bike as well as each head light. While aluminum bikes became popular in the 1930’s, these bikes were not the first aluminum frame bikes as the title for the first Aluminum frame bike lies with the “Lu-mi-num” brand bicycle of the mid 1890’s. World War II would be sure to put a halt to aluminum frame bikes as “precious” metals such as aluminum was needed for the war effort. With that being said, there were a few different aluminum bikes from the 30’s era, but they were produced for a short time making them less common than their plain steel counterparts.

While uncommon, these bikes are often found restored, or even “hot rod’d” as many have discovered that the aluminum frames polish up wonderfully offering a mirror like finish. Thankfully both of these bikes look solid and original as it is common place that cracked bikes show up and they are difficult, to near impossible, to repair. Several of the frame bars are extruded aluminum tube, but many of the frame’s components are sand cast, and are prone to cracking under heavy abuse. Thankfully it would seem that both of these bikes were treated well in their lifetime. Both bikes use modern tires, and appear complete minus a missing chain guard, and the woven skirt guard on the ladies bike. If you have a classic wagon with a naked roof, buy these two beauties to really make it stand out. Would you buy these bikes for your kids, or are they too sweet where you and your spouse would need them?