Dick Rath
Look Ma, No Hands!
This 1896 Ladies Iver Johnson's complte restoration was completed a few months ago with the intention of consigning it to the up-coming Copake Bicycle Auction but complicated (for me) logistics in getting the bike to the auction site have made me think better of it so I'm offering it for sale both here and on EBAY. I find though that EBAY'S limit of 12 pictures in their ads put seller at a disadvantage particularly when listings are for items that can only be fully appreciated with multiple pictures showing all important details in clear, concise, expandible images. In my view The Cabe venue offers both buyers and sellers the chance to more closely examine products they might consider purchasing. So here are some details on the bike and it's restoration: the bike is one of the eariest of Iver Johnson's single tube safeties model. Ther is no doubt about when the bike was produced since it's headbadge is unique to 1896 and features a Porcelin disc insert with the word "Fitchburg" emblazened in it center; Fitchburg is the Massachusetts town where the I.J. Arms & Cycle Works was located. The restoration replicates the original gloss black finish on both frame and fork with 8 coats of Lacquor detailed in the original fine-line gold pinstiping. Much of the bikes brightwork has been re-nickel plated and polished; the Maple rear fender ( from Stuzmans Wheel Shop) has been laced in the original pattern to keep the ladies ankle length skirts out of the spokes. The Maple rims are original to the bike and have been stripped to bare wood, stained and given multiple clear-coats; they have been re-laced with S.S. double butted spokes fit into 1" Nickel plated nipples and the rims trued before being fit with a pair of brand new, 28" x 1-3/4" smooth tread single tube tires made by R.D. Tire Co. in West Virginia inflated to 45 psi. The original Pedals are a work of art and were a factory option in lieu of the standard pedals. The Christie Saddle was likely and option installed by the original I.J. Dealership ( it shows the saddles Patent Date as 1897). Unique and extremely rare is the bike's front wheel hand brake system manufactured by the Duck Brake Company and also liklely installed by the dealer since it too shows an 1897 Pattent Date. The Nickel Plated thumb actuated bell, the Twentieth Century oil head lamp, and the front fork foot rests were also likely dealer installed. The Cork handgrip, made by Wheelman Charlie Matteo, are very close to the originals except for the Nickel end cap (the originals seem to have been stamped in brass). The original frame mounted Iver Johnson tool kit was really beyond salvaging, at least for functioning tool storage, it was made to look functional but is not due to being fit with an internal shaped block to bring back it's original shape so it should be considered "for display only".....it's cover flap is clearly stamped.
with the Iver Johnson name and address.
with the Iver Johnson name and address.