Yep it is an early one. It actually looks almost identical in most respects to the machine found here
http://www.gerdes-amc.nl/z_douglas%201915%20model%20U.html which was sold as a 1915 Douglas, with the exception that the fenders are a touch different and the engine has a 1925 stamped on it.
I need a couple good pictures of the stirrup brake in the front and I can probably fabricate it. Does anyone have pictures of that assembly? From stirrup to wheel, and also of the brake handle on the handlebar.
Anyhow, it is a great old machine and runs pretty good as well. But I need something with more HP as I am a tall and fairly heavy fella.
Oh -- the rear brake I have is some sort of leather 'shoe' that presses against the rear v-belt 'sprocket'..... don't know if that means I have an earlier douggie with a 25 engine, but I am guessing perhaps. Looking at your post, perhaps I have a CW? It is a 3 speed for certain, and if it is a CW, what would the 'shoe' brake look like on the front? I hadn't heard of a shoe brake on the front rim before.
I do know that the rim on the front SEEMS to be most matching up with one that would have the stirrup brake. Maybe I have the wrong rim... At any rate, I need a front brake for safety's sake.
Thank you for your reply!~
Jefferson AKA Syn13