Description
This bicycle is scheduled to be auctioned by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on 9th June 2026. Viewing is available now for this lot.
Auction estimate £5, 000-7, 000
model no. 121 indicating a 1907 year of manufacture. the three‑digit sequence ending in '1' identifies the machine as a factory‑built racer, produced with geometry and wheelbase specific to competitive use. The middle digit further denotes the year, with '2' corresponding to 1907 and '4' to 1909.
This example is fitted with a rare Kelly adjustable forward‑extension racing handlebar, retaining worn race tape over early wooden grips, the adjustable front nut stamped 'Kelly Bar Pat’d 98'. The full racing saddle is a late‑1900s 'supreme racer' by H&F Messinger of New York.
The Lobdell rims are of hardened, steam‑bent hickory, and the hubs employ early non‑caged bearings of a slightly later pattern than 1909. The star race pedals date to early 1907 and retain hand‑crafted, linen‑wrapped toe clips, a period method for securing the rider’s shoe.
The chain is a pre‑1910 block type suited to a roadster or racing chainring; on this version a larger Pacemaker chainring was fitted, with the chain lengthened accordingly to accommodate the increased diameter.
The forks were fully nickel‑plated at the factory and stencilled with decorative artwork to the upper and lower sections, the designs now faded but still discernible. The tyres are later replacements and are now perished.
