1891 Perry Richards & Co Empire 'No 1' Safety (Referee Patent)

“We often judge a man by the company he keeps, but we always judge a cyclist by the wheel he rides. Moral – ride a good wheel. The Referee.”

1891 Perry Richards & Co Empire ‘No 1’ Safety

using Referee’s patent diamond frame

23″ Frame

28″ Wheels with cushion tyres

(Now sold)

As well as selling bicycles, Referee sold frames and fittings, and Perry Richards of Wolverhampton marketed the Referee patent diamond frame as ‘The Empire.’ I assume their market was local and international.

Observe the two obvious differences: Referee illustrated a left-side chainwheel, while the chainwheel on The Empire is on the right, and the chain adjuster on the rear dropout is different – one points downwards, while the other points up (at a 45 degree angle).

This rare machine is well-preserved survivor and an older restoration. The cushion tyres are no longer spongey, but have hardened with age (though they are much lighter than solid tyres). The only other issue I’ve noticed is that the tube under the saddle has been repaired, to provide an extra location for fitting the saddle.

This historic cushion tyred safety is in good overall condition, fully functional and ready to ride.