This Sterling is one of the finest safety's I have seen (on the pictures anyway!). Look at all the beautiful original details, like the way the spokes are fitted in the hubs, or the way the cranks are fitted. It was built by the American firm Sterling from Chicago, the seller claims in 1894, which I think is a good guess. Maybe 1895 but not newer I guess.
I don't like the carbide lamp, which is far too new, but the rest is perfect and looks quite original. The original 'pneumatic tubes' for these bikes are not for sale any more; most bikes have solid replacement tyres that look good but are not very comfortable of course.
The slogan of Sterling was: 'Built like a watch!' And they really made this bike that way.
I do not have pictures of my own, so click on the pictures for a link to Luxlow.com. Please inform me by e-mail if the link doesn't work any more.
 |  Click the ad above to see a fine collection of American bicycle ads, 1892-1893. Thanks to Simon van Erp. |