Wooden bicycles and tricycles for children manufactured in similar fashion to the original velocipedes of 1869 were popular even into the early twentieth century. Most had no maker’s name; the majority also had no individual identifying features, their parts having been made by blacksmiths and wheelwrights, and assembled by a local shop. However, there were a number of patents covering their fittings and, as you can see, the velocipede featured here uses fittings patented by Watson A Heath in 1882. It is also very similar in style to the 1886 Boys’ Velocipede Tricycles illustrated in one of the photos.
When purchased, it was missing saddle and support and the pedal and cranks were broken. A blacksmith made the supports for me, in the same style. It appears to share its main frame with the tricycle version: this a rare item as a two-wheeler and the only one I’ve seen. It’s in good condition and can be ridden.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Summer 2026
This Timed Auction is live. Highest bid wins.
NO BUYERS or SELLERS PREMIUM.
THE RESERVE IS THE START PRICE + BUY-IT-NOW OPTION.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY: NO PACKING FEES.
BIDDING INCREMENTS: Up to £1000 = £10. Over £1000 = £50. Over £2000 = £100
IT’S A CURATED AUCTION – Colin is the auctioneer and is available to chat to you personally during the auction (or before) by email, text message, phone call, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
