This grand old dame is a wonderful survivor from the early 1900s. 122 years ago, when it left the factory, it would have provided independent transportation for a lady to escape the restrictions of family and explore the countryside with friends. An identical model is featured in the colourful illustration below (part of a Singer advertisement). You can see that it has the same front plunger brake, which was a feature of pre-1900 cycles.
This Singer, however, also has a New Departure coaster brake, the latest braking technology from America which had created a lot of interest in Britain. Brown Brothers Ltd of Great Eastern St, London, was the sole English agent, and they started marketing it in 1903. You can see their ‘BBL’ stamp on the side of the coaster arm.
Another interesting feature of this Singer is the pedals. Though they are threaded, they do not screw in. They have a slot on the side which fits into a groove in the pedal crank, and the thread is there so that they can be held in place with a nut. Like the front plunger brake, it’s a feature from pre-1900 models, so I think the company must have been using up old stock parts.
The saddle is a rare patterned ladies model from the Coventry Gear Case Co, which subsequently moved into the accessory market for motorcycles and, in the 1920s, sold saddles under the ‘Atlas’ brand.
The Singer Modele De Luxe was a top selling bicycle in the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, and owners were as interested in its unique features then as they are now. The curves of the swan-like frame were admired by patrons then just as enthusiasts now might take delight at the design of a sleek sportscar. This aristocratic Singer is in excellent all round condition and is ready to ride and display …and if you are booked for a protest to campaign for the Female Vote, this would be the ideal machine with which to attend.
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.
