Early wood spoke bicycle ID

[puppynuts]

Please Help ID this late 1800s bicycle. In the first few shots the lamp was upside down.

 

[The Carolina Rambler]

That looks like an Elliott Hickory Bicycle. Early 1890s, and this is the men's version. Named so because this was the last model of bicycle manufactured to still feature solid Hickory Wood Wheels, a feature seen more so on bicycles of the 1860s-70s. It is also unique because it was one of the only wooden wheeled bicycles to be equipped with pneumatic tire. Most if not all other wooden wheeled bicycles were built with iron tire or solid rubber tire. That is a very nice bicycle you have found, good weathered condition, and relatively rare. It has nice character. Very old, weathered silver repaint, originally would have probably been painted black with pinstriping. Appears to be missing the spoon brake hardware, and the lamp on the front is probably 5-10 years newer than the bike, a slightly later upgrade. There might only be one come up for sale but once every few years or so. If you plan on keeping it for yourself, I would recommend buying some new tires for it, greasing everything up, maybe a dusting off, and riding it as it. My only concern with it would be a few of the spokes look slightly warped, so maybe you should look into the integrity and tightness of the wheels first and see how that feels. A very nice find!

 

[Blue Streak]

Carolina Rambler is correct. It is 1893-1894 Hickory Bicycle. Earlier models had a different fork design. Nice original condition. Missing front brake and fenders. Seat is not original. Otherwise everything else looks correct. Nice bicycle.

Model A from 1893 Hickory Catalog:

Model H from 1894 Hickory Catalog:

Common Sense Bicycles were sold 1891-93 and had hickory wheels.

 

[corbettclassics]

 

[Andrew Gorman]

The long tank on the lamp makes me think it could be a candle lantern, not carbide so it could be a period accessory not a ca. 1900 upgrade. Is it?

 

[Blue Streak]

The long tank on the lamp makes me think it could be a candle lantern, not carbide so it could be a period accessory not a ca. 1900 upgrade. Is it?

It looks like this circa 1899 Acetylite Lamp:

 

[dnc1]

The lamp itself warrants some more detailed photos, it's wonderful!
Great find all round.

 

[mike cates]

I have the matching Ladies Elliott Hickory on ebay.
These are a little harder to find.
Mike Cates
(760) 473-6201
[email protected]

 

[mike cates]

To answer email inquiries, this Ladies Elliott has been spoken for by another collector.
For your enjoyment or for your photo reference files, I've attached a photo of an 1891 Elliott Hickory I sold some years ago.
Mike Cates, CA.