American Bicycle Company

[mike j]

Just curious as to how many are out there. Evidently, when Colonel Pope initiated the big takeover of a good deal of the bicycle companies around 1900, he had these stickers slapped onto the seat tubes (usually). This one is on my 1901 Nyack bicycle. Anyone else have one?

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Those decals appear to have both ABC and the succeeded companies names; interesting that the Nyack bike’s decal reads, “successors to Pope Mfg. Co.”.

 

[Blue Streak]

1900 was first model year for American Bicycle Company controlled bicycles. Here is 1900 list of the manufacturers and bicycle names controlled by the Trust. 1901 labels also say American Bicycle Company. In 1902 the name changed to American Cycle Manufacturing Company. Below is a decal on a 1902 Tribune.

1902 Tribune:

 

[Balloontyre]

Here's an Acme Pennant bicycle I had with the ABC tag placed above the badge. My theory was these tags were added to the bikes that were already completed as the takeover was occurring or immediately after.