Vintage Oddball Accessories

[sam]

In the 1870s, the Boston Athletic Club sought an undergarment that would provide comfort and support for cyclists (or, bicycle jockeys as they were then known) riding the cobblestone streets of Boston. Traditional undergarments were uncomfortable and the rubberized canvas "modesty" girdle caused chafing and blistering on bicycle seats. What the Boston Athletic Club wanted was a comfortable garment that would accommodate the movements of the bicyclist yet would contain and control the male genitalia in the manner of the rubberized canvas girdle.

In 1874,[1][5] Charles Bennett of the Chicago sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith, invented the jockstrap. The original name of Bennett's invention was the Bike Jockey Strap and its logo, a large bicycle wheel. The jockey strap was intended, first, for "bicycle jockeys", and secondly, for horseback riders. The "bike jockey strap" became known as a "jock strap" and, eventually, simply a "jock".

Bennett's newly-formed Bike Web Company patented and began mass-producing the Bike Jockey Strap. The Bike Web Company later became known as the Bike Company. The first consumer mass marketing of the jockstrap occurred in the 1902 edition of the Sears and Roebuck Catalog which claimed the garment, now termed an "athletic supporter", was "medically indicated" for all males that engaged in sports or strenuous activity.[6]

 

[sm2501]

Been meaning to attach this to one of my bikes, just haven't decided which one.

 

[cyclingday]

Wow!
The history of the Jock Strap is fascinating. I always like to tell people that the bicycle is the mother of invention. Now, I have one more example to recite to them.

 

[JohnnyB.Nutty]

More from the box....

Great trailer Scott. I even got a history lesson on athletic supporters. That's great.
Here are a couple more thngs:

Some flags to spice up your bike.

This is a fun wiggling skull reflector.
I have more stuff in a box somewhere.

 

[kunzog]

Here are a pair of Plastic Birds that come apart and fasten to the spokes.

 

[kunzog]

A vinyl cover for a wire basket complete with reflectors

 

[kunzog]

Not really an accessory but a very useful repair item. Wald Brass Plugs to seal holes in Single tube tires. You worked the oval part into the hole in the tire, screwed down the round piece and cut off the remaining threaded stem.

 

[militarymonark]

Been meaning to attach this to one of my bikes, just haven't decided which one.

thats is tool cool is that metal or wood. I might make one.

 

[sm2501]

It has a metal base and top with wood sides.

 

[pelletman]

There weren't more than a VERY few bicycles here before 1877-78 when Pope started importing. I doubt this story.

In the 1870s, the Boston Athletic Club sought an undergarment that would provide comfort and support for cyclists (or, bicycle jockeys as they were then known) riding the cobblestone streets of Boston. Traditional undergarments were uncomfortable and the rubberized canvas "modesty" girdle caused chafing and blistering on bicycle seats. What the Boston Athletic Club wanted was a comfortable garment that would accommodate the movements of the bicyclist yet would contain and control the male genitalia in the manner of the rubberized canvas girdle.

In 1874,[1][5] Charles Bennett of the Chicago sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith, invented the jockstrap. The original name of Bennett's invention was the Bike Jockey Strap and its logo, a large bicycle wheel. The jockey strap was intended, first, for "bicycle jockeys", and secondly, for horseback riders. The "bike jockey strap" became known as a "jock strap" and, eventually, simply a "jock".

Bennett's newly-formed Bike Web Company patented and began mass-producing the Bike Jockey Strap. The Bike Web Company later became known as the Bike Company. The first consumer mass marketing of the jockstrap occurred in the 1902 edition of the Sears and Roebuck Catalog which claimed the garment, now termed an "athletic supporter", was "medically indicated" for all males that engaged in sports or strenuous activity.[6]