Lot 458
Dan Rudge & Co. Ltd., 'The Rudge' 54-inch Ordinary. With a frame number of 28395, this bicycle dates from circa 1885. The tangent spoked driving and trailing wheels possess their original soldered-spokes and rims, and other features include 5-inch slotted cranks and original pedals, a front hub with cone ends and fitted to Daniel Rudge's 1878-patented adjustable bearing assembly, hollow forks, 27-inch (rare) detachable hooped handlebars with horn grips, a Brooks 'Long Distance' saddle, albeit a new top has been fitted, the rear support bolted to the circular-section backbone, the end of which is swathed into the rear forks holding a 17-inch wheel. Original nickel-plating and some original black enamel are also insitu. The company name, model and wheel size are clearly stamped on the steering yoke and, interestingly, the backbone manufacturer's acid-etched armorial for Hydes & Wigfull is located on the backbone, just behind the saddle; the company is also listed as bicycle makers in 1881. Other qualities include the very rare inclusion of a detachable handlebar option, together with a nickel-plated leg guard, an adjustable rear mounting step, and a spoon-brake to the front wheel. A highly original bicycle that was purchased from Downie's Cycle & Motorcycle Depot in Haymarket Terrace in Edinburgh in 1957, and has been dry-stored and little used for 60 years. Prior to 1957, it is believed to have been in one family ownership since new. Its early history is unclear, but it did feature as a stage prop for performances by comedian Tommy Lorne at the King's Theatre in Edinburgh in 1930.
