Bicycle identification if possible

[Blue Streak]

Have not been able to find anything that looks like the name badge in photo. It does not appear to be one of the larger volume nationally sold makers. There were lots of small regional bicycle manufacturers in late 1890's. Details on the four similar bicycles in the photo indicate no earlier than 1899. Will only know for sure what make they are if someone can ID the name badge.

Seat post binder system shows up in a lot of ads during 1898-99. Handle bar stem mounting system fairly common up until around 1900.

Front sprocket does look like the Fauber pattern that was filed for patent November 26, 1898. I do not know how long they offered this pattern:

From a Fauber discussion on CABE:

Similar fork crown and legs start showing up on 1898-99 bicycles:

1899 Patee:

1899 Vim:

1899 Fowler:

1899 Pathfinder:

1899 Alcazar:

1899 Manson:

1899 Romeo:

 

[David Brown]

The wood frame bike with a Fauber sprocket and crank is a Comet. made in Toronto Canada

 

[Dmar73]

Thank you very much Blue Streak! Just sat down from work, can’t wait to pour over this!

 

[Dmar73]

The wood frame bike with a Fauber sprocket and crank is a Comet. made in Toronto Canada

Cool, I’ll do some research on that too!

 

[Goldenrod]

Says St George Utah or Canada? I like the guy carrying the tire pump. They aren't wimps.

 

[Dmar73]

Says St George Utah or Canada? I like the guy carrying the tire pump. They aren't wimps.

St. George Society is a pro English charitable organization started in the 1700’s and still in operation today in Philadelphia, PA and possibly elsewhere

 

[Brian R.]

I think it's unusual to have 4 bikes from the same manufacturer in the same club photo, and I believe this provides your biggest clue. You said your great grandfather lived in Philadelphia, and I'm willing to bet he and his 3 friends wanted to buy a locally made bike. It's even possible one or more of that group worked at the bike factory.

Thewheelmen.org has a list of brands made in the U.S. including several from Philadelphia. If you have no luck with online searches you could try the city archives for trade literature and photo collections. It is an unusual badge and you only have to match the shape. If you are persistent I think you will find it. Good luck.