"the New Falcon" - Double Bar Frame.

[Dave Stromberger]

Just aquired this unusual frame. It has characteristics that say "Miami Built" but then others that confuse me. Can anybody offer any clues? Some lit scans would be awesome! Badge say's "The New Falcon".... "Mfd. By H.C.Tillotson & Co. Toledo, OH."

Any association with Yost, who also had a "Falcon" from Toledo?

I think the fender (I have the rear too) are not original... they have fitment cuts that are a bit crude and home-made looking.

 

[Dave Stromberger]

Doing a little Googling, it turns out that H.C. Tillotson is Harry C.... who is the name behind Tillotson Carburetors, still around today. He was a director at Stromberg Carburetors back in the teens. Anyway, there is a connection to Yost... Harry was apparently running a retail operation in Toledo, selling Yost bicycles exclusively. Perhaps in later years, he bought the company? Further reading may reveal! Ain't Google a blessing to research?

https://www.myheritage.com/research...?itemId=36526607&action=showRecord#fullscreen

 

[Dave Stromberger]

Nobody has any info to add? Original paint appears to be Dove Gray, but I see no evidence of darts or pinstripes. Would be stoked to see some catalog or ad scans showing how this ole' dude was equipped!

 

[barracuda]

Awesome double bar!

I'll give you what I've got - it ain't much. But this 1913 ad may give some clues as to the fittings of your bicycle, which appears to be of a similar year:

And here's some tidbits on Tillotson...

1907:

1908:

 

[filmonger]

They Exhibited in St Louis 2nd annual show in 1896 ( all from The Wheel 1896 )

Looks like he Quit his Job at Union Cycle Mfg June 12 1896 to work at Sieg & Walpole Mfg co.

This is From The New Bearings 1896

Bearings again January 16 1896

 

[Dave Stromberger]

Thanks guys, you've found more than I did! I did find references to his connection to Union and Stokes. I found a reference to him playing golf with some other big-wigs in Florida too... and apparently he was in an auto race? This guy sounds like he was living the life!

 

[barracuda]

... and apparently he was in an auto race? This guy sounds like he was living the life!

Tillotson participated in several Glidden Tours, which were cross country road rallies mounted for the purpose of demonstrating and publicizing to the general public the fun and safety of early automobiles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glidden_Tour

 

[Dave Stromberger]

I took the crankset out of the frame, here's a pic. Anything look familiar? Strangly, the crank arms don't even clear the frame properly, as if this isn't the correct crankset for the frame.

 

[Goldenindian]

Cabe member locomotion posted this today. Fork looks the same. Just noticed.

 

[Goldenindian]

May not be any real connection to the "new falcon" manufacturer, just thought it was interesting.