1899 Ad Sterling Cycles Watchmaker Loupe Magnifying Eye Glass Chainless LHJ6

$43.95 USD

This is a small original 1899 black and white print ad for the Sterling Cycle Works of Kenosha, Wisconsin. This ad features their Sterling Chainless Bicycle Models.

CONDITION

This 112+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / 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: Near Mint / Very Fine
Dimensions: Approximately 2.5 x 4 inches; 6 x 10 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.

Keywords specific to this image: Antique Advertising, watchmaker, loupe, eyeglass, magnifying glass, cycle, cycling, transport, wheel, chain, Tandem, Diamond, pricing, bicycling, builder

LHJ6A5C99