Scarce 'Springfield Roadster' Penny-Farthing High Wheel Bicycle, 1888

Lot description

Antique American "Springfield Roadster" penny-farthing or high-wheeler "ordinary" bike, Springfield Bicycle Manufacturing Company, Boston, Massachusetts, 1888 pattern, Yost and McCune patent, with 50" front wheel and 20" rear wheel, fish adjustable saddle, original worn leather tool bag, turned wood handles, nickel-plated trimmings, maker's label at headset, marked Aug. 9' 81, Aug. 9' 83 and others, unrestored, some evidence of old repairs, would likely benefit from a professional restoration and a thorough cleaning, overall: approx. 56.5"h, 68"w, 20"d (measurements for shipping purposes only) Provenance: One of few known surviving examples of the 1888 Pattern Springfield Roadster, this bicycle was purchased new by the consignor's family. Final listing image depicts the consignor's relative aboard the bicycle circa 1920 at the family farmhouse in Rindge, New Hampshire, where the bike was later discovered by the family. This photograph not included in auction sale.