1892 39 X 24 H.B. Smith STAR Bicycle

[mike cates]

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[mike cates]

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[Bibibox1]

1892 39" X 24" H.B. SMITH STAR HIGH WHEEL SAFETY BICYCLE.

Serial number 3977 and 4 patent dates : Oct 26,1880, Nov 23,1880, Jan 29, 1880 and July 7,1880 are visible in the brass/bronze top steering column housing.

A surviving example of a top-of-the-line and furthest technically advanced 39" X 24" (also called a SPECIAL PONY) STAR having hollow rims, arched forward handlebars, optional roller bearing rear hub and being a complete bicycle except one hand grip.
I've also shown (last photo) some slight denting on the side of the front rim but rim still spins true. It was advertised as the best hill climber of the STAR line and easiest to handle.
A perfect example of how the H.B. Smith Co. of Smithville N.J. perfected this foot lever and belt driven machine at the end of their production wanting to compete with the hard tire safeties of the day.

I can box and find a shipper for you at an additional reasonable cost.

Mike Cates, CA.

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A beautiful bicycle, but I think you are a little way off the appraisal with an asking price of 20.000$ . 3 ponies from Smith were sold last October in much better condition at https://www.copakeauction.com/auction/bicycle-auction-2024-10/. ( lot 9, 18, 26) with prices 3900-6000$, but all still sold higher than the auctions appraisal. I wish you good luck with your sale.

 

[mike cates]

These Stars aren't the more rare 39" X 24" model that came out in 1888 and went to 1892 and was probably the best "rider" H.B. Smith made.
Mike Cates, CA.