Rambler Bicycle, circa 1896
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Artifact Overview
A new bicycle craze swept America beginning in the late 1880s. The "safety" bicycle, an easy-to-mount bicycle with equal-sized wheels, rear-wheel chain drive, and pneumatic tires, made cycling more accessible and enjoyable. This late 1890s Rambler made by Gormully and Jeffery Manufacturing Company was one of the better-made and well-known brands.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
circa 1896
Place of Creation
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Heroes of the Sky
Object ID
29.2114.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Chromium
Rubber (Material)
Cork (Bark)
Leather
Color
Brown
Dark blue
Red
Silver (Color)
Dimensions
Length: 70.5 in
Width: 20 in
Height: 38.5 in
Wheelbase: 44 in
Inscriptions
Insignia on front: 26 / RAMBLER / GORMULLY & JEFFERY MFG. CO. / CHICAGO. U.S.A. / PATENTED / Feb. 19, 89. to Mar 20, 92
Brown saddle seat: REGULATION
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Related Content
SetLeague of American Wheelmen
- 15 Artifacts
In the late 1800s, cyclists faced many challenges. Poor road conditions made travel difficult, and even on passable roads, cyclists found themselves unwanted. Wagon and carriage drivers thought bicycles and bicyclists frightened their horses, while others believed cyclists posed a danger to pedestrians. In 1880, several cycling clubs formed the League of American Wheelmen to advocate for bicyclists' rights.