Bicycle
ManufacturerManufactured by
The Hartford Cycle Company
(American)
Date1890-1893
MediumCold-drawn steel, nickel, rubber, and leather
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x height x width): 73 x 42 x 29in. (185.4 x 106.7 x 73.7cm)
ClassificationsVehicles
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Madigan, Sr., in memory of James P. Madigan, Jr.
Object number2002.23.0
DescriptionHartford Safety Pattern A bicycle. Black steel frame with nickel-plated wheel hubs, rims and spokes, pedals, foot rests, and lantern mount. Maker's plate mounted on front post. Bicycle has black hard rubber tires (probably not originals) and handlebar grips. Original fenders are missing, but these could have been removed if the bicycle was used for racing. Single lever front brake assembly is missing.
Label TextUntil the 1880s no bicycle sported wheels of equal size. A new design, called the “safety bicycle” to distinguish it from the more venturesome (dangerous) high-wheeler type, finally debuted late in the decade. Not only did it open up the bicycle market to a larger audience, with a few design tweaks it could provide women the cycling outlet many had hoped would come. The “Hartford” bicycles were manufactured by Pope Manufacturing Company in their namesake city.
Status
On view
