c.1891 Victor Spring Fork Solid Tyre Safety Bicycle - Sold

A very original example of these rare and ingenious bicycles. Made by the Overman Wheel Company of Boston - Mass - USA. An attempt to design a bicycle with front suspension before the pneumatic tyre had been invented and vehicles and bicycles still had solid tyres. Overman where probably the largest makers of bicycle in the US at the time and gained a reputation for advanced bicycle design. The Spring fork Roadster is a rare machine and instead of traditional front fork blades, Overman designed this bicycle with curved spring steel bars thus producing a very much softer ride the the owner. 

This particular bicycle has been part of a significant bicycle collection and is now available to find a new custodian. Sympathetically  preserved to a good ridable order, it retains some original paint and old nickel plated parts and fittings. However, as one would expect with a bicycle this old, the more perishable parts have been replaced. This includes a new set of rims to the original pattern carefully rebuild into the wheels with the original spokes. The chain has been replaced. This may be due it having gone missing years ago which is often the case of it was worn. The leather saddle top has also been replaced to original pattern. The original pedals do still have the original rubbers, but I would suggest a replacement set be sourced if the bicycle is going to be ridden.  Fresh solid rubber tyre is also fitted to the wheels which are 30" inch in diameter and tangent spoked. ( another feature that had not long been invented during that time). 

A rare bicycle and would grace any transport collection. NOW SOLD