1880s Juvenile Velocipede Tricycle

1880s Juvenile Velocipede Tricycle

(French design)

LENGTH: 40″

HEIGHT: 37″

20″ metal wheels with solid rubber tyres

 

This tricycle was built at a time when bicycles for young people were made to the same high standards as adult machines. Though child-size, tricycles were designed to appeal to parents. These were the toys of the aristocracy, and this was a market that expected the best. The purchaser cared less about its cost than the aesthetics of the nursery in which it was displayed. In other words, it was treated like an item of furniture.

Bear in mind that metalwork in this era was hand-crafted: a tricycle as beautiful as this may have been built exclusively for the family. And because it is so well-preserved and has survived 140 years, it’s likely that it was only used as a nursery display or ridden around the château.

This example has some lovely design features. The ‘curl’ at the bottom of the steering head – a nod to the adult velocipede – and the wicker seat are typical of early French children’s tricycles. The seat and the three large curved springs supporting it are reminiscent of a pram (baby carriage) of the Victorian era.

It’s in first class original condition, and ready to ride; though given its rarity and unique style it would be more suited to a museum display.

 

 

VICTORIAN PRAMS (BABY CARRIAGES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VICTORIAN NURSERY