1899 Singer Modele Deluxe Tricycle (Gents)

1899 / 1900 Singer Modele Deluxe Tricycle (Gents)

23″ Frame

26″ Wheels

Fixed wheel

(Now sold)

 

This Singer Gents Tricycle was stored for many years until I bought it earlier this year. It appears to have been repainted at some time. The 26 inch tyres hold air but should be replaced if it is to be used regularly.

I couldn’t find a frame number on it. There are few relevant surviving Singer catalogues (the illustration below is from 1896), so I asked the VCC Premier marque specialist for his opinion and he confirmed that the relevant components are Singer and that it was most likely made in 1899 or 1900. The triple fork crown is illustrated on the 1896 Singer tandem, and the upward sloping top tube and inch pitch chainset give it an earlier look. It has a Starley rear axle with an Abingdon King Dick mark on its ID plate; I believe Abingdon took over production of these from 1898 onwards.

The thumb lever front rim brake is most likely a later addition from around 1902. Tricycles were not fast sellers so maybe it remained unsold for a few years and had its rim brake fitted when a customer placed his order.

Tricycles were upmarket machines around the turn of the century, and I’ve seen these fitted with the Singer Motorwheel, which was one of the first Motor Bicycles to come onto the market. It’s in good all round condition and ready to ride.

 

 

 

1896 SINGER CATALOGUE EXTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SINGER MOTORWHEEL TANDEM TRICYCLE

 

 

ABINGDON AXLE (STARLEY PATENT)