Chilion Bicycle, 1897
01
Artifact Overview
M.D. Stebbins Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was one of the largest makers of wood-frame safety bicycles. This 1897 Chilion bicycle used polished-hickory frame rods connected with aluminum-bronze lugs. The company claimed this distinctive bike would not buckle when riders hit obstructions, as metal rods would. And, of course, the bike would not rust.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
1897
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
30.872.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of J. F. Markeet.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Hickory (Wood)
Metal
Brass (Alloy)
Chromium
Rubber (Material)
Leather
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 42.5 in
Width: 17.5 in
Length: 72.5 in
Wheelbase: 45.25 in
Inscriptions
Metal insignia in front: M.D. STEBBINS MFG. CO. / CHILION / SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A.
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.