Description Velocipede ca 1870 believed Michaux It is generally accepted that Pierre Michaux (1813-83), a serrurier or locksmith, and his son Ernest (1849-89) produced his first ‘boneshaker’ by converting a hobby-horse to provide cranks to the front wheel. Henri Michaux claimed in a letter that Pierre Michaux thought of the idea and Ernest executed it. There is some uncertainty when this happened but it appears likely that it was in 1864 (although 1855 and 1861 have been suggested). However there is a competing claim that the boneshaker was invented by P. Lallement. By 1867 the design had evolved from the hobby-horse so that the front wheel was larger than the rear and the backbone and forks were now fashioned from iron rather than wood. The available evidence indicates that they did not start advertising them for sale until 1867 at the World Exhibition in Paris. Under-financed, a loan was obtained from the Olivier brothers (René and Aimé) and the partnership of Michaux & Cie was formed on 7 May 1868 with a move from Ave. Montaigne 29 to a new factory at Arc de Triumph, 19 Rue Jean-Goujon which was later extended to No.27 and 10/12 Ave. Bugeaud. The firm was run by the Olivier brothers who had a 69% share. Machines were advertised priced from Fr.270 to Fr.400 while a tricycle was advertised at Fr.400 and if convertible to a bicycle Fr.450. Improvements such as a cord operated brake and acorn pedals were covered by patent 80637, 24 April 1868. (Source: onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) This early Velocipede has restored wheels and plain bronze bearings that are fitted with a lubrication system, a luxury fitment at the time. It’s a graceful design with hock rests and straight handlebars. Turning the handlebars operates the spoon brake on the rear wheel. A Michaux makers’ plate is fitted. The saddle appears to be original, it’s fastened on a broken and repaired spring. Overall length is 150 cm, handlebar height 120 cm. Wheel sizes are 90 and 70 cm. A H. Luchaire candle lamp completes this early bicycle, that once was part of the collection of the Falmignoul Cycle Museum.
