Monday, June 2, 2008

Vintage Bicycle Bling!

Back in the late 19th century, Tiffany and Company (the jewelry people) built a few bicycles.

To provide some historical perspective, the 1890s was the absolute zenith of bikes-as-transportation. Thousands of bike companies were building millions of bikes, which were the preferred transportation for everybody who was anybody. Those early-on cyclists should be recognized as the activists responsible for the first paved and well-maintained roads.

Once such (Tiffany) bike was built for Lillian Russell, an actress/singer of the era. And it will be coming up for auction this month. It's expected to sell for between $50K and $70K. More info can be found HERE. (Just in case you want to use that Economic Stimulus cash...)

Check out some of the detail work (sterling silver, and carved ivory hand grips).



1 comment:

Clancy said...

Nice bling, but I could never buy a bike that could not be ridden.

Just in case anybody cares about old bikes. The Boise Vintage Bike swap is happening on Sunday. Rite-Aid at 16th & State.
http://www.easywind2.com/2008swapmeetflyer