Boy on Mechanical Velocipede, 1870

01

Artifact Overview

Toy makers have long experimented with ways that toys could simulate human and other real-life action. Key-wound clockwork mechanisms, mass produced by the late 1800s, revolutionized the toy world. In this toy, when a key is wound, the mechanism mounted between the wheels causes the boy's legs to pedal, moving the velocipede forward.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Mechanical toy

Date Made

1870

Creator Notes

Patented design by Arthur M. Allen, New York, New York

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

91.0.11.735

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Metal
Papier mâché
Wood (Plant material)
Brass (Alloy)
Wool (Textile)

Color

Brown
Blue
Red
Gold (Color)
Green

Dimensions

Height: 9.25 in
Width: 4.75 in
Length: 11.25 in

Inscriptions

Back of mechanism: PAT'D / JAN. 25TH & FEB. 1ST / 1870
Boy on Mechanical Velocipede, 1870