Lot 541

Previous image preload Next image preload

This bicycle was advertised as having gearing of either 51, 54, 57 or 60-inch, and this bicycle appears to be geared to 54-inch. Perhaps embodying the pinnacle of solid-tyred Safety Bicycle design in an era before the commercialisation of the pneumatic tyre, the unique feature of the 'Whippet' bicycle was that the whole section of the frame carrying the handlebars, the saddle, and the slotted cranks was sprung as a single unit. The action is accomplished by attaching a large expanding coil spring between the sloping backbone joining the rear forks and the steering head, so that the remaining frame carrying the rider is in tension when mounted. To keep the chain adjustment stable, the horizontal stays are hinged together with a second hinged tube near the steering head forming a parallel motion, without affecting the movement of the handlebars in steering. This design was popular to those that could afford an expensive bicycle at 1, and certainly sales were helped by the fact that various road records were broken. Montague Holbein and William Chater-Lea raced using Whippets, with Holbein covering 336 1/2-miles in 24-hours across difficult terrain while competing against lighter bicycles, and Chater-Lea, who worked for Linley & Biggs at the time, rode a winning Whippet at the Catford Hill Climb in 1888. However, interest in the machine quickly came to an end with the introduction of the pneumatic tyre. A design classic, much sought after by design and engineering museums as an exhibit, it is a bicycle that not only treats the eye to an agreeable visual, but the action of the springing motion of the frame pleases the senses both while in use, and when stationary. Indeed, the bicycle almost entices a tactile relationship. The late Paul Farren in his book, 'Cycling Through Time' comments, 'Riding it is an incredible experience, akin to hanging from a bungee cord'. The black-painted frame is off-set by incongruous silver-painted parts but has nevertheless ensured survival of its originality. The 28-inch diameter wheels have tangent spoking, good black solid rubber tyring on 5/8th-inch V-section rims, rat trap pedals fitted to 6 1/2-inch cranks, inch-pitch block chain and a 5-inch diameter chain-wheel. The double ball bearings in the toggle joint on the steering mechanism work well, albeit sometime in the past, it has been re-fitted back to front. - Quantity (1)

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

UK Shipping

We are not specialist shippers. Some items, such as framed & glazed or fragile goods, will require specialist handling and buyers will be asked to use Mailboxes or RF Shipping Ltd. (details below).

For non-fragile items and items of reasonably small size, we offer an in-house packing and shipping facility for UK buyers. When possible, purchases will be sent by either Royal Mail Special Delivery or DPD overnight service. The charge for this service is variable (£15 minimum per parcel) and will be added to your invoice. Please note shipments to the Highlands and Islands may require shipment by courier and may be more expensive. Please contact us for a quote before bidding.

For larger packages and fragile goods, we recommend Mailboxes, Pack & Send or RF Shipping Ltd who will collect fully paid-for purchases from us twice a week and liaise with the buyer direct. For more information please contact Sarah Ball by telephone on +44 (0)1285 860006 or email [email protected] These companies will require payment direct for their services.

Mailboxes : +44 (0)1793 525009 or [email protected]
Pack & Send : +44 (0)1635 887237 or [email protected]
RF Shipping Ltd : +44(0) 845 8736240 or [email protected]

Overseas Shipping

For overseas buyers, very small and light items can be packed in-house and shipped using the Royal Mail International Signed-For service. The charge for this service is variable (£15 minimum per parcel) and will be added to your invoice. Please contact us for a quote.

We are able to send items which fit the following criteria:

Single parcels with a value less than £500 and up to 2kg in weight and within the dimensions of 600mm x 150mm x 150mm
Single tubes with a value less than £500 and up to 2kg in weight and within the dimensions of 900mm long x 70mm depth

For larger packages and fragile goods, we recommend Mailboxes, Pack & Send or RF Shipping Ltd (details below) who will collect fully paid-for purchases from us twice a week and liaise with the buyer direct. For more information please contact Sarah Ball by telephone on +44 (0)1285 860006 or email [email protected] These companies will require payment direct for their services.

Mailboxes : +44 (0)1793 525009 or [email protected]
Pack & Send : +44 (0)1635 887237 or [email protected]
RF Shipping Ltd : +44(0) 845 8736240 or [email protected]

Export Licences and Restricted Items

A licence from the Department of Trade will be required before certain items such as weapons or firearms and items related to endangered species such as ivory may be exported from the United Kingdom to other countries. It is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange these Licenses. Please contact us for more details if you are unsure.

We are not specialist shippers. Some items, such as framed & glazed or fragile goods, will require specialist handling and buyers will be asked to use Mailboxes or RF Shipping Ltd. (details below).

For non-fragile items and items of reasonably small size, we offer an in-house packing and shipping facility for UK buyers. When possible, purchases will be sent by either Royal Mail Special Delivery or DPD overnight service. The charge for this service is variable (£15 minimum per parcel) and will be added to your invoice. Please note shipments to the Highlands and Islands may require shipment by courier and may be more expensive. Please contact us for a quote before bidding.

For larger packages and fragile goods, we recommend Mailboxes, Pack & Send or RF Shipping Ltd who will collect fully paid-for purchases from us twice a week and liaise with the buyer direct. For more information please contact Sarah Ball by telephone on +44 (0)1285 860006 or email [email protected] These companies will require payment direct for their services.

Mailboxes : +44 (0)1793 525009 or [email protected]
Pack & Send : +44 (0)1635 887237 or [email protected]
RF Shipping Ltd : +44(0) 845 8736240 or [email protected]

by Dominic Winter Auctions
May 17, 2018 10:00 AM BST
Mallard House
Broadway Lane, South Cerney
Near Cirencester, United Kingdom GL7 5UQ

Dominic Winter Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £299 £10
£300 £999 £20
£1,000 £1,999 £50
£2,000 £2,999 £100
£3,000 £5,999 £200
£6,000 £14,999 £500
£15,000 £29,999 £1,000
£30,000 £59,999 £2,000
£60,000 £119,999 £5,000
£120,000 + £10,000