Nice 1880's US High Wheel or Penny-Farthing Bicycle Rider's Lapel Stick Pin

ARTIFACT: Nice 1880's United States high wheel bicycle rider's lapel stick pin in gilt brass and nickel. The top of the stick pin features a nicely detailed high wheel or 'penny-farthing', the first machine to be called a bicycle � invented in 1869 by Frenchman Eug�ne Meyer. The large front wheel allowed for faster travel, as the model was direct drive and did not have any gears to help propel movement. The penny-farthing was a dangerous bicycle, a common and sometimes fatal injury called a 'header' occurred when the rider was ejected head/face first from the front of the bike. This happened mostly on hills and rider's often removed their feet from the pedals and lifted them over the handle bars and pointed them straight out in case they were pitched from their seat, they would have a better chance of landing feet first.

VINTAGE: Circa 1880's

SIZE: Approximately 2-3/4"; Bicycle: 5/8" x 5/8"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Gilt brass and nickel

ATTACHMENT: Stick pin

MARKINGS: None.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a bicycle collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VCM16 LAAEX3/16

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The pin shows minor wear, much of the plated details remain intact.