Chilion Bicycle, 1897
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M.D. Stebbins Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was one of the largest makers of wood-frame safety bicycles. This 1897 Chilion bicycle used polished-hickory frame rods connected with aluminum-bronze lugs. The company claimed this distinctive bike would not buckle when riders hit obstructions, as metal rods would. And, of course, the bike would not rust.
M.D. Stebbins Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was one of the largest makers of wood-frame safety bicycles. This 1897 Chilion bicycle used polished-hickory frame rods connected with aluminum-bronze lugs. The company claimed this distinctive bike would not buckle when riders hit obstructions, as metal rods would. And, of course, the bike would not rust.
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
1897
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Gallery
Object ID
30.872.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of J. F. Markeet.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Hickory (Wood)
Metal
Brass (Alloy)
Chromium
Rubber (Material)
Leather
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 42.5 in
Width: 17.5 in
Length: 72.5 in
Wheelbase: 45.25 in
Inscriptions
Metal insignia in front: M.D. STEBBINS MFG. CO. / CHILION / SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A.
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