Ca. 1894 George Hendee "Hendee's Silver King"

[Jesse McCauley]

Building towards an eventual exhibition of this machine, thanks to @47jchiggins for the opportunity to add this original envelope to the supporting ephemera.

 

[Jesse McCauley]

Saddle replacement with a period Rich & Sager leaf spring saddle thanks to @cr250mark

 

[New York Pope]

Saddle replacement with a period Rich & Sager leaf spring saddle thanks to @cr250mark

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Super amazing piece of history Jesse thank you for sharing….Hendee was a cool racer and businessman,,,,

 

[TrustRust]

I have been chasing this bicycle for quite a while now, with help from a number of friends I was able to track it down, negotiate a deal, and finally yesterday get my hands on this amazing specimen.

There is quite a bit of research and a bit of mechanic work to be done in publications and on the bicycle itself but I will keep this thread updated with my progress.

This is almost certainly an English "Centaur" Scorcher that Hendee imported, built up, rebadged, and sold as a "Hendee's Silver King"
Colin Kirsch has done a great deal of research and has an English Centaur which shares many similarities to my example, I will attempt to build on his scholarship.

Sloping top tube is very distinct, ultra narrow diameter top tube with a larger diameter down tube.
Killer lugs and dropouts, very svelte design.
The seatpost is a proprietary design with an interesting disassemble feature - stamped "Centaur Patent" -
"Bolt on" style block pedals appear original
Hunt hygienic saddle though the period advertisement calls for a Sager, we'll see.
Great down turned bar/stem combo seemingly original.
Rear hub will take a bit of research but may be a Hendee proprietary design.
"Silver King" stamped leather pouch is the icing on the cake!

More info and photos to follow - I'm going to need some help finding a few difficult to track down bits this bicycle will need to be 100% - I may be tapping a few of you!

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