Lot details

In 1876, James Starley introduced the Coventry Lever Tricycle which started the tricycling craze in Great Britain. Only a year later 20 different types were produced in Coventry, and by 1884 there were over 100 different models produced by 20 manufacturers. They were used more often than not by those who could not ride Ordinary bicycles, such as ladies confined to long dresses and the shorter or lesser athletic gentlemen. From 1881 to 1886, more tricycles were built than bicycles, but as tricycles were more expensive it was mainly the upper classes who had the disposable income to buy them.
Patented in 1879 and designed by T. Butler, the Omnicycle was a rear-driven tricycle using leather belts and different sized pulleys as gears. It was propelled by a reciprocal motion and provided a more comfortable ride than the 'Boneshaker'. In 1881, manufacture of the machines was taken over by the Birmingham Small Arms Company.
This impressive machine is believed to be the only complete and working example. Another is known to exist, which arrived at a museum in pieces and has stayed in the same state for nearly 100 years.
It has 50" rear wheels, 20" front wheel, stirrup handle ratchet steering, leather pan seat with metal back rest, left hand band brake and a 2-speed leather strap driving mechanism and is fitted with a Lucas 'King of the Road' lamp. In the current ownership for the last 45 years, it is said to be in original and rideable condition.