Bicycle Polish Tin, circa 1895
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Artifact Overview
Late 19th-century cyclists cared for their vehicles by using a variety of specialized products and accessories. One such product was Franklin's Excelsior Enamel Bicycle Polish and Lubricant. The polish manufacturer, William A. Franklin of Rochester, New York, claimed the product would "prevent rust and remove all scratches from the enamel." The product also lubricated and cleansed the chain if applied freely.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Tin (Container)
Date Made
1890-1900
Creator Notes
Polish made by Wm. A. Franklin, Rochester, New York and tin container made by Wm. Vogel & Bros., Brooklyn, New York.
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
85.78.23
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Color
Orange (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Diameter: 2.25 in
Thickness: 0.75 in
Inscriptions
Printed in circle around lid: FRANKLIN'S EXCELSIOR ENAMEL BICYCLE POLISH AND LUBRICANT / THE BEST / ENAMEL POLISH / IN THE WORLD/
Printed in center of lid: Image of bicycle
Printed on lower portion of lid: WM. A. FRANKLIN / SOLE MANUFACTURER / 4_2 CENTRAL AVE., / ROCHESTER, N.Y.
Printed on bottom of tin: INSTRUCTIONS / TO POLISH, / APPLY COMPOUND AND / RUB LIGHTLY WITH SOFT DRY / CLOTH. TO LUBRICATE, CLEANSE CHAIN / AND APPLY COMPOUND FREELY. / DO NOT USE KEROSENE OR ANY OIL / ON WHEEL AS THAT INVITES RUST / AND SOFTENS THE ENAMEL. / THIS POLISH PREVENTS RUST / AND REMOVES ALL SCRATCHES / FROM THE ENAMEL. / W.M. VOGEL & BROS., B'LYN N.Y.
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