1930s Hi-Wire Aerial Aluminium Trick Bicycle

There was a long tradition of slack wire cycling, the first being Blondin in October 1869 at The Crystal Palace. He rode a velocipede with grooved wheels that was manufactured by Gardiner and Mackintosh of New Cross.

1930s Hi-Wire Aerial Aluminium Bicycle

Designed by Harold Van Doren, creator of the ‘Skippy’ range of tricycles for the American National Co.

14.5″ disc wheels

LENGTH: 45″

WIDTH: 16″

HEIGHT: 28″

 

This unique bicycle has been adapted from a rare children’s aluminium bicycle so it can be used as a hi-wire aerial performers’ machine. It’s the sort of bicycle that would have been created for use by a clown on a circus tightrope.

It was designed by top stylists Harold L Van Doren and John Gordon Rideout, who made their name with a revolutionary new style of radio, the Air King and, in 1933, designed a completely new range of Skippy products for American National including tricycles, pedal cars, bicycles, scooters, coaster wagons and sleds.

In my photos it’s missing one pedal and belt to drive it, but I now have them. It’s in excellent condition.