LOT 77 1895 LANGTON COMBINATION TRICYCLE

1895 Langton Combination tricycle 

Brixton Cycle Works, London

19″ Frame

28″ Front wheel

26″ Rear wheels

Inch pitch chain, fixed wheel

A ‘combination’ or ‘convertible’ bicycle or tricycle has a removable top tube so that it can either be ridden by a gentleman (with the top tube fitted) or a lady wearing a skirt with the top tube removed. This style became popular around 1890 and the design was still being used up to the early 1900s.

This is the only known surviving example of the Langton tricycle. It is an older restoration, and it is in good all round condition. It appears to have been a special order for a customer as it has a smaller frame than would be usual for a tall gentleman. Tricycles were very expensive compared to a bicycle, so they were usually ordered by a customer individually in a size that suited them best. The example illustrated below is from 1891. The one featured on this page is from 1895, as its screw in pedals and wider seat post were introduced in that year. The company apparently continued supplying them until 1898.

It’s in good all round condition and ready to ride.