Peugeot was formed in 1810 by Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frederic at Valentigney. It started with foundry work, then the production of quality saws, with the lion as a symbol of quality. From 1834 the product range was extended to include tools for joiners and carpenters, forks and coffee grinders.
In 1876 there was a change of name to Les Fils de Peugeot Frères, and the first bicycle was produced at the Valentigney factory in 1882. The company name changed again in 1910, and this would appear to be the time that Peugeot bicycles stopped using the Valentigney head badge. The chainwheel with lions standing on arrows was apparently also introduced in 1910. With the combination of the badge and the Valentigney headbadge on this bicycle, I’ve assumed it to have been manufactured in that year.
1910 Peugeot Bicyclette Ecclesiastique et Dame
Open frame model for ladies or priests
20.5″ Frame
24″ wooden wheels
Original Gauloise tyre
Hunt saddle
(Now sold)
There’s no difference between the open frame Peugeot built for priests and for women. This example is fitted with Peugeot’s cable-operated rim brakes, wooden mudguards, and wooden wheels. There are metal inserts between the wheels and the tyres.
The front tyre is a remarkable original survivor, with the tyre company’s name etched into the tread pattern. It inflates, but I would not risk riding on it. The wheels have cracks too, so this is really for display rather than a riding machine. With its superb original transfer (decal) on the seat tube and original unrestored paintwork, it would make a superb museum exhibition piece.
ORIGINAL GAULOISE TYRE
1909 PEUGEOT CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
1913 PEUGEOT CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
1910 PEUGEOT ECCLESIASTIQUE et DAME v 1904 PEUGEOT ENFANT
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