This is the dominant style of 1800s French horse tricycle, with a cast iron head fitted to a wooden body, and operated by handles connected by chain to the rear axle. This example is a large size. It has 20″ wooden wheels, with metal banded ‘tyres’ like 1860s velocipedes. I assume it to be c1880. The front footrests are more basic than those of the 1890s metal wheeled tricycle shown for comparison. This would be a ‘No 1’ size, whereas the smaller 1890s tricycle would be a ‘No 3’ suitable for an infant.
The front fork bolts to a cast iron fitting that’s screwed under the front of the horse’s body. I’ve illustrated this in one of the photos as cast iron fittings are an indicator of authentic early production (though all the forgeries have the same rear frame casting).
Many modern replicas have been made in Eastern Europe and Asia and are aged to try to disguise their modernity; they are passed off by unscrupulous auctioneers and antique shops as original. You can often tell the difference if you see welded parts, more modern fittings or modern screws. But sometimes it can be confusing, as many originals have often been repaired over the years. I would only buy a horse tricycle if it is in original unrestored condition, like this one.
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.
