[Rarebooks] FS: Four turn-of-the-last-century Bicycle items

[Bob Petrilla]

Mead Cycle Company. GROUP OF FOUR ITEMS FEATURING THE ALEXIS SPECIAL
BICYCLE, MESINGER HYGIENIC SADDLES, A GAS-LAMP HEADLIGHT, BELLS, ETC.
Chicago: Mead Cycle Co., 1899. First Edition. (8)pp; five illustrations.
11" x 8" Very Good. .
The Alexis Special bicycle was priced at $16.95, available as a premium to
agents who would deliver company fliers about the bikes. In addition to
that offer, this group includes an order form for bicycles and two
illustrated fliers: (1) "The Mesinger Hygienic Saddle" warns that an
"improperly constructed saddle is injurious to the health of
cyclists.especially lady riders." Models for ladies & gentlemen were $1.50
(down from $4). On the back is an ad for Record "A" Single Tube Tires, made
of "pure Para rubber, selected Sea Island cotton and the best quality of
friction cloth"--$6.50 (reduced from $9). (2) A warning about mail-order
frauds in the bicycle business, whereby "old models are now being offered
as high-grade 1900 models." On the back are illustrated ads for "a genuine
1900 model gas lamp, a good bell, a pair of trouser guards and a Burdick
10,000 Mile Cyclometer Free."   $50.00

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