Kawamura Nishiki Azuki serial numbers were decoded by Tom Marshall, Canadian engineer, racer and runner, using a trial and error database methodology
Kawamura manufactured frames (1972–1987)
These frames used a serial number XYZZZZZ format where:
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- X is the market (C = Canada (pre-1985) K = USA (pre 1985) W = USA (1985–1987)).
- Y is the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year (A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975).
- ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, possibly representing a sequential frame manufacturing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames).
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- Example 1: KA24587 is the 24,587th frame produced in 1981 for the US market.
- Here’s Example 2: CG23117 is the 23,117th frame produced in 1977 for the Canadian market.
- And Example 3: WE54612 is the 54,612th frame produced in 1985 for the US market.
Serial number format may extend beyond the stated end date but there are no reported examples, to date.
GIANT MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1978-1986)
Two part serial number, with first part designating manufacturer, month and year. The date codes data is generally stamped on the drive side dropout.
Serial number format Gmmyy where:
G = Giant
mm = month where 01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, etc.
yy = Year where 80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc.
EXAMPLE: G0384 is a frame that was manufactured by Giant in March of 1984.*The serial number format changed in 1987. The format precedes 1978 though no samples have been reported on Nishiki bicycles.
GIANT MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1987-1989)
Serial number format Gfyxxxxx where:
G = Giant
f = letter indicating fortnight (i.e. A = weeks 1-2, B = weeks 3-4, Z = weeks 51-52)
y = last digit of calendar year of manufacture (i.e. 7 = 1987,
8 = 1988, etc.
xxxxx = numbers probably indicating a sequential manufacturing number during the fortnight.
EXAMPLE: GD706959 was the 6,959th frame manufactured during the 4th fornight of 1987.The serial number format appears to be started in 1987 and is known to extend beyond 1989 on Giant branded models, though no Nishiki examples have been reported to date.
DERBY MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1989-1992*)
Circa 1989, Nishiki was acquired by Derby International, which also owned Raleigh and some manufacturing was done at their Kent, Washington facility.
Serial Number Format Rydddyxxxx where:
R = Raleigh
y…y = year
ddd = day of year
xxxx = sequential manufacturing number.
EXAMPLE: R9035167879 is the 7,879th frmae built on day 35 (i.e. February 04) of 1991.The serial number format may extend beyond this range, in either direction, but to date no examples have been reported.
KATAKURA MANUFACTURED FRAMES (1971-1973*)
Serial number format Kmyxxxx where:
K = Katakura
m = letter indicating month of manfacture (i.e. A = Jan, B = Feb,… L = December)
y = number indicating last digit of calendar year (i.e. 1 = 1971, 3 = 1973)
xxxx = four numbers probably indicating the sequential manufacturing number during the month.
EXAMPLE: K120180 is 182nd frame manufactured during September 1971.OTHER MANUFACTURERS
Over the years numerous other serial number formats have cropped up with Kawamura Nishiki Azuki serial numbers. Some are known manufacturers, while others are unidentified. These appear to have been smaller, subcontracted orders and consititute a very small portion of the overall Nishiki volume. As such, they will not be covered here but will by addressed by individual forum response when the crop up.
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