This is a rare crossframe safety that fortunately was illustrated in the 1888 catalogue from Samuel T. Clark of Baltimore, who were the American agents for St George’s Engineering Co. Though its ball-bearing steering head and solid (narrow diameter) top tube is advanced for its age, its chain adjustment is primitive, involving adjustable chain stays plus a stay to the bottom bracket that could be loosened or tightened by a nut at the top.
It is a wonderfully original machine, with a unique rear step, original mudguards (the front one repaired) and (I assume) original pedals.
The rear solid tyre has wire around it suggesting that it is loose (which is common with 140 year old solid tyres), and you can see a wire around the bottom of the brake plunger too. It is rideable over a short distance, but the solid tyres will need replacing for serious riding. I can supply a length of this size of tyre if required.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Spring 2025
This Timed Auction is live from 14th of March 2025 2pm to 14th of April 7pm, 2025. 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, phonecall, Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp.
