Lot 495
A c1890 Humber & Co. (?) Pneumatic-Tyred Track Ordinary. A very rare lightweight track bicycle with a 53-inch tangent spoked wheel with a ½-inch hub with petit bell-cupped ends. The rear wheel is 20-inch. The pneumatic tyre inflates, and stays inflated, the rear tyre, rim and hub are more modern. The circular section backbone, steering head and forks are of the lightest construction, and retain signs of original black enamel and the remains of a gilt manufacturer's transfer just below the stiff blade saddle support. The saddle is a Huntington model and, although incorrect for the machine, is serviceable for demonstration rides. The delightful scorching handlebars have an 11-inch drop and turned wooden grips are fitted, as is an adjustable mounting step. Correctly, no brake is fitted.
