1890 Rover Diamond Safety

After many decades hidden away, this 1890 Rover Diamond with an open frame has come to light.

Many years ago, I saw a Rover catalogue advertised on French ebay. I couldn’t afford to buy it at that time, so I copied some of its pages. As a result, when I saw this machine recently I knew exactly what it was and I managed to buy it. I believe it to be the only surviving example of this model.

Apart from missing its front mudguard, brake, grips and leather saddle top, it is remarkably complete. I could replace those items easily enough, but I prefer to see it in ‘as found’ condition. I photographed its details at Falmer village pond this morning, so that if another one turns up in the future, we will know what it is.