Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16, for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16, for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

"American Star" High-Wheel Bicycle, 1886

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Artifact Overview

George Pressey patented the American Star bicycle in 1880 as a safer alternative to the typical high wheeler. He reversed the wheel orientation by placing the large drive wheel in back. Riders, situated well behind the frame, fell backwards rather than pitching forward in a dreaded "header" when the bicycle encountered an obstacle.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

1886

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1646.7

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Chromium
Wood (Plant material)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Length: 68.5 in
Width: 28.5 in
Height: 56 in

Inscriptions

handlebars: H.B. SMITH MACHINE CO. / SMITHVILLE, N.J. / PAT. / OCT 26 NOV 1880 / AND / JANY 7 1885 / 2927
Keywords
"American Star" High-Wheel Bicycle, 1886