Lot 231 , An Ordinary bicycle (Penny Farthing), circa 1880, wrought iron construction with leather covered seat mounted on a leaf spring, lever brake on the front tyre, and solid rubber tyres, approximate dimensions; diameter of t

An Ordinary bicycle (Penny Farthing), circa 1880, wrought iron construction with leather covered seat mounted on a leaf spring, lever brake on the front tyre, and solid rubber tyres, approximate dimensions; diameter of the front wheel 136cm, diameter of the rear wheel 46cm, James Starley of Coventry introduced the first ‘Penny Farthings’ in 1871. At the time they became known as ‘High Wheelers’. Later they were termed ‘Ordinary’ in order to distinguish them from the Safety Bicycles which started to appear from circa 1888.
They generally proved popular in England only in the 1870’s and 1880’s.
£1,200-1,800

Condition:
Vendor inherited this and the other cycles in the sale from his father some decades ago; his father being a pioneer collector of early aircraft, motor cars and bicycles during the 1930’s.

Sold for £1,500