Description
Original Antique Penny Farthing High Wheel Bicycle, details coming soon
Medium
Cast Metal
Date
Early 20th Century
Condition Report
Very Good Original
Exhibited
Currently Mebane Antique Gallery and available for preview
Literature
The Penny-Farthing, also known as the high-wheeler or "ordinary," was the first machine to be formally called a bicycle, rising to prominence in the 1870s and 1880s. Named for the disproportionate size of its wheels (like the British penny and farthing coins), its design prioritized speed and a smoother ride over rough cobbled roads. Invented in 1871 by British engineer James Starley, the Penny-Farthing featured a massive front wheel that dictated the bicycle's top speed. Because the pedals were attached directly to the front hub without a chain or gears, a larger wheel meant the rider could cover more distance with a single rotation. Original, restored Victorian-era Penny Farthings are highly prized by collectors and can range anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on condition and authenticity. For enthusiasts looking to experience the thrill of riding one without the steep price tag, high-quality replicas (often referred to as "Boneshakers") are available from manufacturers like Worksman Cycles for $1,200 to $1,500.
Provenance
Dr. Carbone
Notes
Available for live in house bidding and pay-pick up from our gallery, Always bid with confidence with Mebane Auction. Thank you Jon Lambert
Condition
Very Good Original
Payments
Available payment options
Shipping Info
We DO offer in house shipping. We DO NOT provide shipping estimates. We at Mebane Antique Auction Gallery, count it a privilege to be able to service our customers through our shipping department. We have and will continue to serve our customers in all 50 states & internationally. ALL items won by bidder will be shipped through the United States Post Office Insured Mail and/or Registered Mail UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED BY BUYER. Buyer is responsible for paying ACTUAL shipping cost (postage AND insurance), which will be added to the buyer’s invoice as soon as the item is ready to be shipped. Some invoices are subject to a $5 to $10 packaging material fee per box. This fee is based on the size, weight and amount of items purchased. There is no charge for labor or transportation to the post office. All items, will be packaged accordingly with USPS shipping standards or standards from which the company providing service. All packages, will be shipped in a timely manner. A timeline for items shipped will not be provided. Items will be shipped in the order paid invoices are received. Bidders are always welcome to pickup at our gallery in lieu of shipping. MAAG will not arrange shipping for oversized items. It is on the bidder to find a courier or pick up at our gallery. Online Bidders: We will add shipping charges to your invoice once we have your shipping cost. Once payment for the invoice is received, we will have our shipping department package and prepare your items for shipping. That means we automatically prepare items for shipping after payment is collected. We use the address listed on your account for shipping. IF YOU NEED TO USE A DIFFERENT ADDRESS OR DO NOT NEED SHIPPING AND WILL PICK UP, LET US KNOW ASAP AFTER PAYING YOUR INVOICE. We thank you and anticipate any & every item(s) purchased from Mebane Antique Auction Gallery that requires shipping to be an easy & pleasurable experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or special shipping requests please contact Bryan at 919-563-2424. As of March 1, 2025, MAAG is not liable to handle insurance claims. If an item is damaged in transit, it is on the bidder to submit a claim through the post office: https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm. As of May 1, 2025, if MAAG needs to use a third-party shipper, it is between the bidder and third party to handle shipping, including packaging and cost. MAAG can deliver to a third party, dependent on size, but will not act as liaison between bidder and third party.
