Ten-Person Oriten Bicycle, 1896
THF803955 / 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
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Charles Metz and manufactured by the Orient Bicycle Company in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
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
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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.