Ten-Person Oriten Bicycle, 1896

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Artifact Overview

Charles Metz of Waltham, Massachusetts, built the Orient Oriten in 1896 as a way to promote his Orient line of bicycles. Metz featured this 23-foot-long, 305-pound ten-seater at bicycle meets and races throughout the country. Though difficult to ride, the vehicle could reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. The Henry Ford owns the only surviving Oriten.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

1896

Creator Notes

Designed by Charles Metz and manufactured by the Orient Bicycle Company in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Gallery

Object ID

34.179.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Harry K. Noyes.

Material

Metal
Nickel (Metal)
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 42.5 in
Width: 36 in
Length: 286.75 in
Wheelbase: 260.25 in
Weight: 305 lbs

Inscriptions

Metal insignia on front: WALTHAM MFG. CO. / WALTHAM, MASS
Keywords
Ten-Person Oriten Bicycle, 1896