Date: Fri 21-May-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: LIZAM

Quick Words:

Copake-bike-Easton

Full Text:

Eighth Annual Bike Classic At Copake

(with 6 cuts)

By Rita Easton

COPAKE, N.Y. -- Mike and Seth Fallon conducted the Eighth Annual Copake

Antique and Classic Bicycle Auction on April 10. Related materials in the

450-lot sale included advertising memorabilia, trophies, photos, toys,

posters, prints, art and books, drawing collectors from all over the world.

Of particular interest were consignments from the Fortin collection, the Roger

Johnson collection, the Pope Mfg. Reference Library, the Jesse Sarafin

collection, and the Trimble Museum.

An ultra-rare, circa 1890 "White Flyer" hard tire safety bicycle reached the

starring bid of $30,000, which was the high estimate. One of two known

examples, the lot was manufactured by White Cycle Co., in Westboro, Mass., and

was in excellent condition. The unique drive system incorporated chains on

pulleys hooked to the rear axle. The Fallons feel it is the most desirable

American bicycle ever produced.

A very scarce, circa 1887, Singer 50-inch Xtra highwheel safety bike, in very

original condition, including paint and pin striping, with recovered seat,

brought $12,500, which was $500 over the high estimate, as was the $10,500

winning bid for an 1892 Union hard tire safety by the Union Cycle Co. in

Highlandville, Mass. A very unusual front and rear suspension claimed to

eliminate all vibration. The lot was in excellent, restored condition.

An 1885 Victor man's Model C springfork HTC, with old restoration, retaining

the front and rear brakes, with "search light" headlight, needing seat leather

and plating, reached $9,000. A scarce circa 1889 Herbert, Hillman & Cooper

Kangaroo highwheel safety with 36-inch wheel, with geared chain drive, sold at

$8,500. The lot was manufactured in Coventry, England, and featured brake

hardware, a recovered seat and new rubber tires.

The Elliot Hickory Company of Newton, Mass., known for its innovations, was

the manufacturer of a very rare, Nineteenth Century youth bicycle, a wood and

metal hard tire safety, with wooden spoked wheels, 20-inches front and

26-inches rear, having coil spring suspension on the seat. The model was

purchased at $8,000.

A second Elliot Hickory Company bicycle, a ladies' hard tire safety, with

brake hardware, original chain, paint surface with pin striping, wooden spoked

wheels, 24-inches front and 32-inches rear, with wooden fenders, realized

$7,000. The lot had missing pedals, one handlebar grip, and some miscellaneous

hardware.

A circa 1889 Victor "Model C" man's hard tire safety in fine unrestored

condition, complete with brake hardware, garnered $7,000. The lot was

described by Fallon as possibly the best unrestored correct Victor known, and

one of the most desirable models manufactured by the Overman Wheel Company.

Tire rubber and seat leather were replaced. A circa 1890 Victor "Victoria

Ladies Model C" hard tire safety, with spring fork, sold at $5,750.

The model was probably the most sophisticated machine available in the 1880s.

Manufactured by the Overman Wheel Company and costing $135 new, the model was

the manufacturer's answer to the Columbia light roadster.

Prices quoted do not reflect the ten percent buyer's premium.