Raro Biciclo d'Epoca in Ferro Battuto e Legno - Model "Penny-Farthing" - Bicycle - early 20th

04
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20
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29
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Current bid
€ 315
Reserve price not met
Anna Hue-Roques
Expert
Selected by Anna Hue-Roques

Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.

Estimate  € 550 - € 700
IT
€315
BE
€275

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Early 20th‑century Penny-Farthing velocipede, forged iron and wood construction, in a Steampunk industrial style.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Are you looking for a unique piece capable of catching anyone's eye and radically transforming the atmosphere of a room? An exceptional antique velocipede (penny-farthing) from the 19th-20th century (circa 1890–1900).

Not a banal modern mass-produced replica, but an authentic collectible in wrought iron and wood, carrying with it the timeless charm of the Industrial Revolution and of the early great two-wheeled adventures.

The velocipede represents the golden age of 19th-century cycling. In England it was affectionately called the "Penny-Farthing": the front wheel, gigantic, recalled the penny coin, while the rear wheel, tiny, recalled the farthing. Riding these machines was an art reserved for nobles and bold adventurers, a true symbol of status, freedom, and technological progress that marked an era. This specific piece boasts a splendid patina of time that tells more than a century of history, preserving an intact solid and proud structure.

The unique design of the velocipede has always captivated filmmakers and screenwriters, becoming the visual symbol of Steampunk style, retro science fiction, and Victorian atmospheres. Replicas and models of this iconic velocipede appear in cinematic masterpieces and cult series such as:
- Charlie Chaplin's silent cinema: memorable gags and behind-the-scenes shots as this whimsical vehicle is ridden.
- Wild Wild West: where a futuristic and motorized version of the velocipede accompanies Will Smith's adventures.
- Mary Poppins Returns (Disney): used to recreate the perfect magical atmosphere of early 20th-century London.
- The Prisoner: the famous cult sci-fi TV series of the 1960s, where the velocipede is the emblem of the mysterious village.

With its majestic dimensions: total height of 90 cm and width of 100 cm, it makes for a striking presence, perfect for a design showroom, a professional studio, or a bold display window.

The structure is entirely made of solid hot-forged wrought iron, with a splendid original patina that enhances its historical charm and guarantees authenticity. The straight handlebar features well-preserved turned wooden grips. The saddle, a highly prized visual element, has a shaped cover mounted on a curved springing system typical of late 19th- and early 20th-century models.

A stylish investment for antique collectors, lovers of Industrial design collectibles, or anyone who wishes to own a piece of history that will never go out of fashion!

Are you looking for a unique piece capable of catching anyone's eye and radically transforming the atmosphere of a room? An exceptional antique velocipede (penny-farthing) from the 19th-20th century (circa 1890–1900).

Not a banal modern mass-produced replica, but an authentic collectible in wrought iron and wood, carrying with it the timeless charm of the Industrial Revolution and of the early great two-wheeled adventures.

The velocipede represents the golden age of 19th-century cycling. In England it was affectionately called the "Penny-Farthing": the front wheel, gigantic, recalled the penny coin, while the rear wheel, tiny, recalled the farthing. Riding these machines was an art reserved for nobles and bold adventurers, a true symbol of status, freedom, and technological progress that marked an era. This specific piece boasts a splendid patina of time that tells more than a century of history, preserving an intact solid and proud structure.

The unique design of the velocipede has always captivated filmmakers and screenwriters, becoming the visual symbol of Steampunk style, retro science fiction, and Victorian atmospheres. Replicas and models of this iconic velocipede appear in cinematic masterpieces and cult series such as:
- Charlie Chaplin's silent cinema: memorable gags and behind-the-scenes shots as this whimsical vehicle is ridden.
- Wild Wild West: where a futuristic and motorized version of the velocipede accompanies Will Smith's adventures.
- Mary Poppins Returns (Disney): used to recreate the perfect magical atmosphere of early 20th-century London.
- The Prisoner: the famous cult sci-fi TV series of the 1960s, where the velocipede is the emblem of the mysterious village.

With its majestic dimensions: total height of 90 cm and width of 100 cm, it makes for a striking presence, perfect for a design showroom, a professional studio, or a bold display window.

The structure is entirely made of solid hot-forged wrought iron, with a splendid original patina that enhances its historical charm and guarantees authenticity. The straight handlebar features well-preserved turned wooden grips. The saddle, a highly prized visual element, has a shaped cover mounted on a curved springing system typical of late 19th- and early 20th-century models.

A stylish investment for antique collectors, lovers of Industrial design collectibles, or anyone who wishes to own a piece of history that will never go out of fashion!

Details

Frame size
Bambino
Brand
Raro Biciclo d'Epoca in Ferro Battuto e Legno
Model
Model "Penny-Farthing"
Year of manufacture
early 20th
Located in
Italy
Condition
Used
ItalyVerified
1564
Objects sold
90.32%
Private

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