Tricycle

Dateca. 1885

MediumWood, iron, and paint

Dimensions33" H x 45" L

Credit LineGift of Raleigh Old Green

Object number1970.1200.12

DescriptionA tricylce with a 21" diameter front wheel and 2 smaller back wheels. The pedals are rounded and made of wood. The seat is wood covered in fabric. The paint on the tricycle is faded and worn but appears to have been red and cream.Label TextThe first bicycle is credited to a German inventor in the early 19th century. With no pedals on the early version, the rider propelled the vehicle by pushing his feet along the ground. By the late 19th century, when this child's tricycle was made, the bicycle had gone through several modifications by many makers. This wooden and iron tricycle, advertised as a boy's three-wheeled velocipede, was suitable for boys of 8 to 10 years. Other models offered smaller or larger wheels for other age groups.