CATALOG OF THE CYCLE COLLECTION 15 



side of the wheel hub. A pawl on the free gear rotates the ratchet 

 gear and the wheel in a forward direction when the foot lever is 

 depressed. The two levers are independent of each other and are 

 intended to be depressed alternately. 



SMITH TRICYCLE, Ca. 1880 



U. S. N. M. No. 211501: original; gift of Robert Atwrtter Smith in 1901; 

 photograph No. 38001); plate 12. h. 



According to the donor, this vehicle was called the American Lever 

 Tricycle, and was made by the H. B. Smith Alachine Co., of Smith- 

 ville, X. J., well-known manufactui'er of Star bicycles in the 1880's. 



The rear wheels of tlie tricycle have separate axles, each independ- 

 ent of the other, and they are rotated by pedal levers that, when 

 depressed, pull on straps wound around overrunning clutches on the 

 axles. Springs return the drums of the clutches to rewind the straps 

 when the pedal levers are allowed to lise. Each wheel is provided 

 with its own axle, clutch, strap, and lever combination. The straps 

 can be easily attached to either of two [)()sitions on the levers to provide 

 two different mechanical advantages, or driving ratios. 



The frame is of metal tubing. The three wheels have metal rims 

 with radial wiie spokes, and are of the type used by Smith. The 

 rear wheels are 40 inches in diameter and the front wheel, 251/^ inches. 

 The track of the rear wheels is 2!>^^ inches. A thin, solid rubber 

 tire is attached to the front wheel, but the two rear tires are missing. 



A wooden saddle (not original) mounted on springs is attached to 

 the upper eiul of a rod that can be I'aised or lowered to suit the rider. 

 A lever, actuating a friction brake that rubs against the tire on the 

 front wheel, is })ivoted on the right handle bar. A small metal nuid- 

 guard is secured over the rear of the front wheel. 



BICYCLE, Ca. 1880 



r. S. N. M. No. 24883G; original; gift of Tlionias M. Wilkins in 1908: pliotograph 

 No. 30650-F ; plate 13, a. 



The nudver of this Star is not known, no identifying marks or 

 dates appearing on it, but it was probably an early product of the 

 H. B. Smith Machine Co., as its major parts closely resemble those 

 of the 1885 Smith Star in the collection. According to the donor, 

 this machine was given to his father, B. F. AVilkins, around 11)00. 

 Mr. Wilkins, a member of the Capitol Bicjxde Club of Washington, 

 I). C, never rode it, as it was considered a relic when he acquired it. 



One side of the triangular metal frame consists of a tidie for the 

 steering post, at the lower end of which is a fork supporting the 

 front wheel. Straight handle bars are attached to the upper end of 



232111—53 3 



