I recently purchased a lot of Orient related items including a couple of bikes. Among them was this 1896 Saracen. There isn't much information out there on these models so I'll contribute what I've learned. This info is directly from the 1894-95-96 and 97 catalogs, which I also have.
When Orients were first produced in 1894, just two models were available, a ladies and gents model. Production numbers increased in 1895 with four models available. 1896 saw a serious uptick in production and models including the Roadster, Light Roadster (men's and ladies) and the Racer. They also introduced a tandem in a gents and lady-front version, both rear steer. They also introduced the Saracen Roadster (men's and ladies) as a "budget" model to the Orient line. The Orient Roadster sold for $100. while the Saracen sold for $75. Comparing the two, the Orient's were made with cold drawn seamless tubes with internal reinforcements while the Saracen's was the less expensive to produce seamed tubing and external lugs. The Saracen was also only available in three sizes - 23", 25" and 27" frames. The 1897 catalog only lists seven models. A mens Roadster (7 A) and Racer (7 B), ladies (7 C), a tandem in a gents (7 D) and ladies step-through version(7 E), a boy's (7 F) and girl's (7 G) model. No budget model, just a choice between a Road or Race bike, both retailed for $100. I think it's safe to say the Saracen was a one year only bike. With the incredible number of bicycles being manufactured in the mid to late 1890s and a large secondary market for used bikes it probably wasn't profitable to manufacture a cheaper alternative.
The bike is in "as found" condition, only missing the original saddle and chain. Tires are obviously later. I have an original enamel insert for the badge to replace the broken one. BTW, Saracen was the name of the people who lived in the Roman frontier province of Arabia between the 5th and 15th century. In the late 19th Century the term "the Orient" encompassed the Middle East as well as the countries to the east. It was considered exotic (and therefore exciting) so why not name your bicycle company after it and the people who lived there ? A couple of catalogs include illustrations of scimitar's, pyramids, palm trees and even the Sphinx.
thecabe.com
). There was another Orient poster featuring Taylor on a chainless. Hoping to find that one someday....
