Determining date code and uniqueness numbers of Gitane serial numbers
For lack of a better term I am calling the numbers stamped into Gitane frame between the years 1969 and 1982 serial numbers.
There may be a better term.
Gitane serial numbers have two components, a four digit date code and a uniqueness number of a varying number of digits. I call the one group of digits a uniqueness number because I assume that it makes the serial number unique for a given date code. I do not know if the uniqueness numbers are sequential as I do not have enough data.
Gitane date codes I assume give the date of frame manufacture.
location of the serial number:
There are two locations: the dropout on the non-drive side or the bottom bracket.
Format of the date code:
Four digits.
Format of the uniqueness number:
Varies. Generally one, two , or three digits followed by spaces and another digit.
On pressed dropouts the format is usually a single digit followed by four digits.
Stamping of the date code on dropout:
The data code digits are stamped uniformly and spaced across the bottom tine of the dropout.
Note that the uniqueness number is also stamped on the dropout.
Stamping of the date code on the bottom bracket :
(ignore the frame model number if present on the BB)
There are three different arrangements:
- Initially, the date code and uniqueness number were stamped in a single row.
The first four characters are the date code. The following characters are the uniqueness number. - Later, the date code and uniqueness number are on separate rows. The top row is the date code.
The second roe is the uniqueness number. - In the first quarter of 1980 the format switches to the uniqueness number is the top row and the date code is the second row.
I have seen two examples of this in early 1979.
Interpretation of the date code:
digit 1: day of the week.
Digits 2 – 3: week of the year.
digit 4: year of one of the decades 1960, 1970, or 1980.
In the four example image above here is how the date codes decipher:
4281: day 4 of week 28 of year 1971. Manufactured in July of 1971. note that the “8” and “1” are upside down.
1172: day 1 of week 17 of year 1972. Manufactured in April of 1972
3074: day 3 of week 7 of 1974. Manufactured in February of 1974
1207: day 1 of week 20 of 1977. Manufactured in May of 1977.
Observations on character stampings:
“1” is sometimes stamped sideways and sometimes stamped upside down.
“8” is sometimes stamped upside down.
Sometimes the data code is stamped with very slanted characters. The digit “1” is often confused for “7”.
The forged dropout stamping sometimes have the date code numbers and the uniqueness numbers stamped in the same place and the digits are intermixed.
7 thoughts on “Determining date code and uniqueness numbers of Gitane serial numbers”
My Gitane Olympic is from about 1978 All the original Campagnolo Nuvro Record groupset had date stamping to that year on the ctankset and the rear mech. My serial numbers are 3190 on the rear drop out and 52336 a gap then 6 with 458 above. All are stamped in numbers. I guess 3190 under your system would be day 3 19th week 70. I think if my frame was built in it was sitting around for 8 years before being built up and sold. If the zero is 80 then it meant the groupset was sitting around in a warehouse for two years. I see your point but I’m still skeptical.
Hello Patrick, thanks for your comment. You say that the serial number is on the rear drop out. This is odd and with that many digits these numbers were usually on the bottom bracket shell. None the less based upon the Gitane Olympic serial numbers that I have catalogued here is my interpretation:
3190 – is the data code. day 3, week 19, year 1980.
52336 is the model number. The 52 usually indicates a Reynolds 531 tube set.
6 – is the frame size. 56cm.
458 – is the unique number for that frame.
I have no good explanation for the Campagnolo date codes being two years different. I do not know much about the operation of the Gitane factory and how they managed the supply of components.
Hi David, the frame is definately made of 531 tubing as ot has thr French 531 transfers. I guess 1980 could be correct. I was told by the shop owner that it was all original. Including the Campognolo groupset. So l guess they might well have had stocks of these groupsets in the warehouse.
Hello David from SW France
My earliest (enamel head badged) Gitane has the BB S/N: 74 5 66 – 1st numeral ‘could’ be a 1, but looks unlikely. The figures are in a cursive style, suggesting an early date, plus the pedals are Campagnolo Con Denti with rubber seals and alloy dust caps, which were only produced during 1958-59.
The S/N is a puzzle to me, so I’d welcome your interpretation, please.
Hello Roger,
I have seen your serial number and only a few others with the same location and format. My guess is that this format of serial number is prior to the date four digit date encoding which began in the late 1960s. The serial number is just a sequential number. I have no idea which years this format of serial number was used.
Good Day All,
I have two Gitane’s
1986 Gitane Champion Serial # F034466
Gitane Sprint Serial # C59389 ….Trying to confirm MFG Dates and Years.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Seasons Greetings A
Hello Sy Del,
I am still collecting serial number data on 1980s Gitane bicycles. I believe that the C prefix serial numbers were frames manufactured in 1983 and the F prefix were manufactured in 1985.