1897 Ad Tiny Bike Sterling Cycle Works Built Like Watch - ORIGINAL LHJ4
CONDITION
This 114+ year old Item is rated Very Fine +++. Light aging throughout. No creases. No natural defects. Some light surface rub. No tears. No water damage.
- Product Type: Original Print Ad; Black / White
- Grade: Very Fine +++
- Dimensions: Approximately 2.25 x 2 inches; 6 x 5 cm
- Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
- Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)
Sterling Cycle Works.
Sterling Cycle Works, also known as Sterling Bicycle, was an American bicycle company based in Chicago from 1894 to 1898. In 1899, the company relocated to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The following year the Kenosha factory was sold to Thomas B. Jeffery of Rambler automobiles; thereafter, the company became one of the first automobile manufacturing companies in the United States.
It was during the "bicycle craze" of the late 1800s that Annie "Londonderry" Kopchovsky became the first woman to travel "around the world" on a bicycle (Thomas Stevens did the same 10 years earlier). Upon her journey in 1894, Kopchovsky was originally supplied a Columbia bicycle, but when she arrived in Chicago, after beginning her travels in Boston, Kopchovsky switched to a men's Sterling bicycle. Kopchovsky initially began her voyage in a typical Victorian skirt; however, after encountering frustrations with her traditional female attire, she switched to just bloomers, followed by a men's riding suit. Kopchovsky received much attention for her travels, as well as for wearing bloomers.
In 1898, Sterling bicycles received the silver medal at the Trans Mississippi International Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska for its innovative chainless bicycle manufacturing.
Copyright 2016, Period Paper LLC
Keywords specific to this image: Built Like a Watch, 274-278 Wabash Avenue Chicago, Bike, Transportation Antique Advertising
LHJ4A3C97