Eagle Bicycle, 1891
01
Artifact Overview
The Eagle Bicycle Manufacturing Company built this high-wheel safety in 1891. The Connecticut company copied other manufacturers by placing the small wheel up front and the large drive wheel in back -- preventing the dreaded "header." Still, it was difficult to mount; cyclists had to swing their leg over the large wheel. Low-mount safeties with equal-sized wheels solved this problem.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
1891
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.2103.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Chromium
Leather
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 58.5 in
Width: 26.25 in
Length: 73.25 in
Wheelbase: 36 in
Inscriptions
Plate on steering post just above front wheel fork marked: THE / EAGLE BICYCLE / MFG. CO. / EAGLE / PATENTED / OCT. 2ND 1883 / APRIL 1887.
Keywords |
|---|
02
Related Content
SetBicycles
- 25 Artifacts
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.