The Mother of All Bicycles
SOLD April 2014 |
Cabinet-card format albumen print giving a rare view of the bicycle's ancestor, the pedal-less "dandy horse" or "draisine," by Barry, Hull (UK), circa 1885. With photographer's imprint on front and reverse of card, reading "1875. London. 1878 / Plymouth 1881 .... Barry / 7 & 8 Park Street / Anlaby Rd. Hull..."
The draisine, velocipede, "hobby horse" or "dandy horse" was literally the first human-propelled bi-cycle, but differed from the modern bicycle in that it had no pedals and was propelled by the rider's feet. They were most popular in the early 1800s most being individual constructions, often assembled by blacksmiths or carriage makers using such components as wooden frames and wagon-like wheels.
This rare cabinet card appears to depict a genuine, somewhat battered "dandy horse" from the early 19th century.
Card trimmed slightly at left edge, scrape on back wheel.
