Description Coventry Machinists’ 1890 Swift Model D safety Bicycle The end of the 1880s saw evolutionary changes in cycle design. The first crossframe model, the Premier, was brought out in 1886 and from then on development went fast towards the diamond frame safeties with a horizontal top tube. Early steering went via socket steering , around 1890 the more expensive models were fitted with ball-head steering. Coventry machinists’ marketed two popular bicycle ranges at the time, the ordinary “Club” and the safety “Swift”’, that was available in several models. The Model A came with the new-fangled ballhead steering, the model D was still fitted with socket steering. The machine we present still has its original, somewhat decayed, saddle top and part of the original nickel finish is still apparent. She is unpainted and comes with spoon brake on front wheel, bell, and whip in whip holder. Both wheels are 30-inch and on the frame tube the letter “M” is visible. This early safety bicycle was once part of the Falmignoul Cycle Museum in Belgium.
