American Star bicycle made by H.P. Smith Machine Co., New Jersey, USA, 1885-1890
Object No. H5174
This unusual bicycle features the reverse arrangement of the well-known penny farthing design in that the small wheel is at the front and the large one at the back. It is propelled by a usual system of treadles and is called the American Star. It was an attempt to make the penny farthing a safer and steadier machine and was achieved by the rider sitting further back over the rear wheel which meant that falling forwards over the handle bars, called a header, was prevented. This advantage was illustrated in publicity generated when Will Robertson, riding an American Star bicycle, rode down the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. in 1885, a feat never contemplated by penny farthing riders, as well as playing mounted polo. The American Star also had the advantage that it could also be ridden very fast as both feet could be pushed on the treadles simultaneously, an advantage in riding up hills and starting off in races. The American Star is said to have been the only major American innovation in the design and configuration of the bicycle. It was patented in 1881 the United States of America by George W. Pressey, and was made by the H.P. Smith Machine Co. of Smithville, New Jersey, in the late 1880s. This bicycle became popular in America but did not do so well in Europe, which was dominated by the British-built dwarf penny farthings like the Kangaroo, whereas the dwarf penny farthing did not have success in America. All were superseded by the Rover safety bicycle introduced in 1886 with its diamond-shaped frame similar to today's bicycles. Adams, Donald G. "Collecting and Restoring Antique Bicycles", pp. 94-7 Information supplied by Paul & Charlie Farren Margaret Simpson, Assistant Curator, Science & Industry October 2008
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Summary
Object Statement
Bicycle, American Star, No. 1803, metal / leather, made by H. P. Smith Machine Co, Smithville, Burlington County, New Jersey, United States of America, 1885-1890, designed by George W. Pressey, Hammonton, New Jersey, United States of America, 1881
Physical Description
Bicycle, American Star, No. 1803, metal / leather, made by H. P. Smith Machine Co., Smithville, Burlington County, New Jersey, USA, 1885-1890, designed by George W. Pressey, Hammonton, New Jersey, USA, 1881 The American Star bicycle reversed the penny farthing arrangement and has the small wheel, 18 inches in diameter, at the front, which was for steering, and the large wheel at the rear. Both wheels have steel radial butted spokes and solid rubber tyres. The bicycle is operated by levers and ratchet gear from the rear wheel. The levers carry the pedals on the forward ends and are hinged at the rear to projections on the lower rod of the frame behind the hub. At the bend of the levers, below the hub, leather straps are attached to pins. The straps pass around drums on the driving wheel axles. Pressure on the levers draws down the straps and rotates the drums, which drive the wheel through a ratchet arrangement. A spring within the drum winds up the strap and raises the lever to make it ready for the next stroke. The levers can be depressed alternately or, when increased speed is required, simultaneously. There are two steps up to the non-original saddle, which is clamped to the saddle spring. A spoon brake from the handle bars operates on the rear wheel. The bicycle is now finished in black but when acquired by the Museum in 1954 was painted in blue house paint.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1560 mm
Width
495 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The American Star was patented in the United States of America by George W. Pressey of Hammonton, New Jersey, in 1880. It was put into production under licence by the H.B. (Hezekiah Bradley) Smith Machine Co. of Smithville, Burlington County, New Jersey, a manufacturer of wood working machinery, the following year. In 1889 Smith even patented a steam powered tricycle. The name "American Star" was derived from the double star-shaped spoke pattern on the earliest models. The front wheel diameter was about 18 inches (46 cm), while the rear wheels went from 42 inches (107 cm) to 60 inches (152 cm). Initially the American Star was slow to gain acceptance. Customers initially complained about the non-adjustable spoke riveted into the rims, very heavy frame of solid steel and the lack of a brake. The 1882 model made improvements and eventually American Star bicycles featured all the refinements of the ordinary (penny farthing) bicycles with hollow frames and rims, tangential spokes, and improved saddles. The American Star was touted as a safe alternative to the penny farthing by eliminating falls forward over the front wheel. However, the lack of weight over the small front wheel caused the bicycle steering to become loose over gravelled surfaces tending to throw the rider sideways instead. Also, the spring in the axle drum could not be made strong enough to lift the foot at the end of the power stroke so the foot had to be lifted after each stroke, which made the bicycle tiring on long rides. It was also the only bicycle of the period, other than the Eagle, which permitted the rider to stand on the levers for an extra push going up hills and consequently won numerous hill climb events and timed races. Furthermore, because of the adjustability of the treadles in the drive mechanism to the leg length, the bicycle did not need to be made to measure and could be ridden by anyone in the family. An alternative leverage mechanism was provided that allowed the leverage of the treadles to be altered. When kicked forward, this mechanism lengthened the leverage thereby affecting a "low gear", or kicked backwards shortening the lever into a "high gear". American Star bicycles were available in six models.
HISTORY
Notes
Nothing is known of the history of the bicycle other than that it was donated to the Museum by the Sydney Bicycle and Motor Club, Carrington Street, Sydney in 1952.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of The Sydney Bicyle & Motor Club, 1952
Acquisition Date
31 January 1952
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