This tricycle was built at a time when bicycles for young people were made to the same high standards as adult machines. Though child-size, tricycles were designed to appeal to parents. These were the toys of the aristocracy, and this was a market that expected the best. The purchaser cared less about its cost than the aesthetics of the nursery in which it was displayed. In other words, it was treated like an item of furniture.
Bear in mind that metalwork in this era was hand-crafted: a tricycle as beautiful as this may have been built exclusively for the family. And because it is so well-preserved and has survived 140 years, it’s likely that it was only used as a nursery display or ridden around the château.
This example has some lovely design features. The ‘curl’ at the bottom of the steering head – a nod to the adult velocipede – and the wicker seat are typical of early French children’s tricycles. The seat and the three large curved springs supporting it are reminiscent of a pram (baby carriage) of the Victorian era.
It’s in first class original condition, and ready to ride; though given its rarity and unique style it would be more suited to a museum display.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Spring 2026
This Timed Auction is live from 21st of March 2026 @ 2-30pm to 4th of April, 2026. 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.
