1899 Knoll's Spring Frame Bicycle, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

[New Mexico Brant]

Here is the winter project I just purchased; an 1899 Knoll's Spring frame men's bicycle. It of course will need all the 1930's refurbishment add-ons removed. I have been smitten with these ever since seeing a frame at James Allan's bicycle museum in Springfield, MO.
Does anyone here own one of these or have any information about these bicycles?

A big thanks to Jeff K. for the patent information and newspaper advertisement. The restored white Knoll is at the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio (photo credit: BMA).
A huge thanks to Kirby @kshimp41 for the lead on this bicycle!

 

[Tall]

Congratulations Brant! Its a beauty! Looks like a fun project. Good luck!

 

[dnc1]

Wow!
That's different.
Good luck with the restoration.
Looking forward to seeing it progress.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

You certainly find some interesting things to play with Brant!
Thank you for sharing! I had no idea anything like this existed.....

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Here is a 1902 Knoll advertising envelope. It is interesting as it shows a "sweetheart" chain ring which is what we see on the New Bremen bicycle above. (Photo credit: Richard Smith for use of the mailer image)
Rev. Jonas Knoll died in 1902; his wife continued the washing machine business for another ten years. I haven't been able to conclude from my research when she ceased (or sold) the bicycle line.

 

[Hobo Bill]

bicycles never seas to amaze me....thanks for the candy.......

 

[Blue Streak]

Below are Knoll Bicycle references from 1899-1907 newspapers found online at newspapers.com. 1899 was the first year any Knoll Bicycle references appeared. As Brandt stated above Rev. Jonas L. Knoll died January 1902 at age 55. He left everything to his wife. Mrs. Knoll died March 1907 at age 57. She left the Knoll residence and washing machine factory to her daughter and a store property and bicycle factory to her son.

1899:
March 23, 1899 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

1900:
April 9, 1900 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

April 11, 1900 - Lebanon Courier (Lebanon PA)

1901:
March 23, 1901 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

May 2, 1901 - Evening Report (Lebanon PA)

1902:
January 13, 1902 - Miners Journal (Pottsville PA)

February 18, 1902 - Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon PA)

April 26, 1902 - Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon PA)

1903:
April 10, 1903 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

May 29, 1903 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

June 19, 1903 - The Daily News (Lebanon PA)

1907:
March 18, 1907 - Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon PA)

March 28, 1907 - Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon PA)

April 3, 1907 - Lebanon Daily News (Lebanon PA)

 

[Blue Streak]

Rev. Jonas L. Knoll had 3 bicycle patents:

Patent No. 29944 (January 3, 1899)

Patent No. 29945 (January 3, 1899)

Patent No. 34903 (August 6, 1901)

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Excellent information Jeff! Thank you for the posts.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Knoll update; I am still “over the moon” for the opportunity to own and study this outrageous machine! I was able to pick up the bike this week. It appears to have been refurbished during WWII or shortly there after. I have removed the wheelset (blackout hubs), fenders, bars, and saddle which were incorrect. The rims have 26 by 1 3/8” tires that never appear to have been ridden as the molding flash is still present. I am thrilled as the frame sports its’ original black factory backed enamel. The other parts in the photos appear to be original too. The serial number is: 456. I am still waiting to hear back from Professor Pete Dietrich about his zoomorphic assessment. A proper wheelset and bars will be easy. Mounting a saddle will be much more problematic. Nothing remains of the original mounting system; fortunately the frame in James Alan’s museum has the missing bracket which can be copied. Future installments to follow…