Velocipede
MakerMade by
James A. Lakin
(American, 1841 - 1898)
Dateabout 1869
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall length x height x width): 79 × 52 × 20in. (200.7 × 132.1 × 50.8cm)
ClassificationsEquipment
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2013.210.0
Descriptionc. 1869 boneshaker velocipede, Mfg. by J. A. Lakin, Thompsonville, Conn. (signed on bronze pedals), 42" front wheel, 35" rear wheel. Very rare machine, restored.
Label TextJames Lakin, working in Thompsonville, took the relatively crude French velocipede design and improved it with the use of tubular metal construction. Lakin demonstrated his velocipede by riding it from Thompsonville to Springfield, MA, and back in an afternoon. The velocipede would be supplanted by the British high-wheel or “ordinary” style bicycle in the 1870s.
Status
On view
James J. Goodwin
