Bring out that moldy money!!!!!!!!!

[JO BO]

Early models were Moline Special, Leader and Roadster. Starting somewhere around 1894 and ending in 1900

I saw one roadster badge with the year 1896 stamped onto it...and another earlier one with just the letter A assuming possible 1895-1896

one sold at sale a few years ago model 8A and now this one 9A I wonder if that means 1898 and 1899 respectively? Maybe someone here on the Cabe

has better insight. Research I have done said they started with other makers' bicycles in 1894 and in 1896 again using other makers' bikes started to badge them with

their brand.Jo BO

 

[Freqman1]

$3550 and reserve still not met? Guess I'm gonna have to go big!

 

[JO BO]

I though $3550 was already huge. Someone must know who they bought their bikes from.

Few examples to compare from.

 

[tripple3]

I couldn't see the pics Ken posted.
These are bigger on my monitor.

 

[JO BO]

I have been trying to do some research on these bikes. Information is pretty scarce.

Deere branches started selling bikes in 1894 and reportedly bought 1000 units that first year. In 1896 they started using their own badge ,applied to purchased bicycles.... business was so brisk a Mr Jones traveled to the eastern factories trying to find builders to supply their bikes. Seems most bikes were purchased from Chicago based firms Plans for a factory were In The works to be built in Chicago but were scrapped when the bike business suddenly turned South.

Some early models were the Roadster, LEADER, Moline , Sylvan etc. paper work from 1898 suggest models Reindeer , Deere Moline Special and perhaps Fawn. The Moose was offered in 1899. Most models were offered in various sizes . Also Juvenile models were offered. Frames came in Diamond, drop bar and cushion . Later models also offered a 30 inch wheel in lieu of 28.

The model sold in 2007 is either a 1894 or 1895 as the badge owner Mr. H.H. Sickles became ill and closed his store at the end of 1895 so no further badges were made in his name. This bicycle sold for $25,000 at auction
Models A and B Tandem were principal models each year with sub titles applied. It appears sales ended in 1900.
Model A (8A) offered in 2018 sold for $7080. Not sure if premiums had to be paid on both of these machines also. If anyone has results of other sales,,,,please share. 8A appears to have modern seat,bars,pedals and added fenders.....model A Sickels (appropriate name for a bike dealer) appears very original
Colors were maroon, black ,dark red ....(light green). Later years dark Brewster green as the one recently sold on EBay appears to have beneath the faded red overpaint. Front fork with nickel

If anyone has a more comprehensive history of these bikes please share with The Cabe readers. Thanks

 

[bentwoody66]

Watch the seller bring out 3 more just like it to sell now
LOL

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[New Mexico Brant]

$5,357

 

[bentwoody66]

So who got it? I take it the reserve was met?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[ccmerz]

If this was your bike, would you restore it?

 

[fattyre]

Me? I'd restore the function, not the paint, wood or nickel. I'd clean it as best as possible while trying to maintain the what's left of original finish and make it rideable.