Object: Penny-Farthing Bicycle

Date:  19th c

Description: Originally known as an ‘Ordinary’, this bicycle followed on from the Bone Shaker. The wheel, which was propelled directly by the pedal, became larger to allow a greater distance to be travelled by one turn of the pedal. It was balance by a small wheel at the back. The difference in size between the wheels led to it being popularly known as a Penny-Farthing. It was very popular in the 1870s and 80s despite being difficult to ride and the cyclists often met accidents. This Penny-Farthing has a solid iron frame, wooden handles and a leather saddle. There are rubber grips on the pedals and it has solid rubber tyres.

Origin: The Penny-farthing was brought into the Museum in 1944 in rather a bad state and it was restored by Kelvingrove Museum.