Early Tote Gote- What Model?

Studeman68

Studeman68

#1
#1
Some of you may remember this one from eBay recently. Turned out it was in Clare MI which is only only 20 miles from my place in Gladwin MI, so I decided to make a try for it. Ended up getting it for a reasonable price and snagged it. I think it's an early one which is why I was drawn to it.
Question is what model is it? Late VS or early B? There is no tag, and it has the serial number stamped into the frame at right front of the engine plate like I know a VS to have. But it has the cklutch hoop of the "B" models which is confusing me. Also the throttle is a style I haven't seen before but looks original. Kickstand latch is another "different" item than I am used to seeing.
What is crazy is the tires are in good shape, are pliable, and no dry rot. The Belt is a Tote Gote branded belt also. The frame is in great shape with no repairs also.
What model? Very early 60's?
Mould this have had a Deepco Clutch?
Serial number seems low?
See pics below, any advice would be appreciated. @Richard Trotter @Davis
Steve.

NOTE: having trouble adding pics, click the links under the pictures below, and in the second post.....

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Richard Trotter

Richard Trotter

#8
#8
Many people have tried to make sense of the serial numbers. Some think they are date codes, others think they are just random numbers. Ralph Bonham was ask many times, he didn't know. He was annoyed when people wanted to know what the production date of their Tote Gote. All records were lost when the company suddenly closed.
 
Studeman68

Studeman68

#9
#9
Richard Trotter said:
Many people have tried to make sense of the serial numbers. Some think they are date codes, others think they are just random numbers. Ralph Bonham was ask many times, he didn't know. He was annoyed when people wanted to know what the production date of their Tote Gote. All records were lost when the company suddenly closed.
Click to expand...
Thank You Richard, I wondered if possible early B. I just don't recall ever seeing a stand latch like that before.
There used to be a dealer in the same town I got this from (Clare, MI) called Michi-Gote. I'm thinking this bike probably was sold through them
 
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