| Boulder Art Gallery 960 Main Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 978-345-7000 info@theboulderartgallery.com |
| 1899 IVER JOHNSON MODEL 53 GENTLEMAN'S MEDIUM GRADE ROADSTER |
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This is an 1899 Iver Johnson Model 53 Mens medium grade safety roadster in absolutely beautiful and untouched original
condition. Serial 63673 is stamped under the bottom bracket. The original red paint, double gold hairline pinstriping, and nickel
plating are all in exceptional condition. This bike even retains its original and quite rare "Iver Johnson" embossed leather toolbag,
with its full compliment of tools. This bike was one of a pair that was located in the attic of the Moses Davis Jr. Home on Davis Island
in Edgecomb, Maine, a home that was owned by "Davis" family descendant's since it was built in 1803. In 1899, a Davis family member
purchased this pair of Iver Johnson bikes new and used them, as weather permitted, on the island. Several years later, the bikes
found their way to the attic of the house where they rested, untouched, and out of the publics sight, for generations. Only within the
last few years, was the home was sold outside the Davis family, yet the bikes were still simply left in the attic after the sale. Ultimately,
the new owners brought the attention of the bikes to light and I was able to make a connection, and purchase the pair.
This 24" Mens diamond frame roadster is resting on its original set of 28" wood wheels with its original set of turn of the century
barrel style hubs having a 36 spoke rear, and 32 spoke front. Also present are the original Bridgeport rat trap pedals, and Iver
Johnson #1 Mens handlebars with cork grips. A perfectly preserved Mens Sager #12 saddle rests on top of the TOC seatpost.
It is interesting to note that the Iver Johnson company imported 1 1/8" weldless steel tubing direct from England for these
roadsters while using all flush joints and drop forged connections in their construction. Because of the incredibly long rest this
bicycle had, somewhat forgotten and sitting comfortably in its attic retreat, it remains a superbly preserved original paint example of
an unmolested TOC Iver Johnson Men's roadster.
condition. Serial 63673 is stamped under the bottom bracket. The original red paint, double gold hairline pinstriping, and nickel
plating are all in exceptional condition. This bike even retains its original and quite rare "Iver Johnson" embossed leather toolbag,
with its full compliment of tools. This bike was one of a pair that was located in the attic of the Moses Davis Jr. Home on Davis Island
in Edgecomb, Maine, a home that was owned by "Davis" family descendant's since it was built in 1803. In 1899, a Davis family member
purchased this pair of Iver Johnson bikes new and used them, as weather permitted, on the island. Several years later, the bikes
found their way to the attic of the house where they rested, untouched, and out of the publics sight, for generations. Only within the
last few years, was the home was sold outside the Davis family, yet the bikes were still simply left in the attic after the sale. Ultimately,
the new owners brought the attention of the bikes to light and I was able to make a connection, and purchase the pair.
This 24" Mens diamond frame roadster is resting on its original set of 28" wood wheels with its original set of turn of the century
barrel style hubs having a 36 spoke rear, and 32 spoke front. Also present are the original Bridgeport rat trap pedals, and Iver
Johnson #1 Mens handlebars with cork grips. A perfectly preserved Mens Sager #12 saddle rests on top of the TOC seatpost.
It is interesting to note that the Iver Johnson company imported 1 1/8" weldless steel tubing direct from England for these
roadsters while using all flush joints and drop forged connections in their construction. Because of the incredibly long rest this
bicycle had, somewhat forgotten and sitting comfortably in its attic retreat, it remains a superbly preserved original paint example of
an unmolested TOC Iver Johnson Men's roadster.
( Click Pics to Enlarge)
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