Ritchie Cyclometer, 1881-1890

01

Artifact Overview

A cyclometer tells cyclists how far they have traveled. Cyclists placed this brass and steel device on the axle of their high-wheel vehicles. A magnet within the sealed case revolved with the turning axle and moved a needle. This cyclometer, invented by Edward S. Ritchie, was produced by the Pope Manufacturing Company, a leading bicycle maker in the late 1800s.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cyclometer

Date Made

1881-1890

Creator Notes

Invented by Edward S. Ritchie in Brookline, Massachusetts; produced by Pope Manufacturing Company in Boston, Massachusetts.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.4.3860

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Metal

Color

Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 4 in
Width: 2 in
Length: 2.25 in

Inscriptions

Printed on dial: RITCHIE CYCLOMETER / THE POPE MFG. CO. / BOSTON Stamped on back: 52 / PATENTED / MAY 31, 1881 Stamped on metal attachment: 20 / 20