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VINTAGE HI WHEELER: Cabinet Card of Cyclist and His High Wheel Penny Farthing BicycleVery early photo cabinet card of man with penny farthing high wheel bike. Man is possibly in uniform, he has matching hat in hand with matching shirt. Image is very good with very minor wear or light spotting on upper right corner. It measures 6 1/2" by 4". No makers name or markings.The penny-farthing, or "high-wheel bicycle," is an iconic 1870s-1880s machine with a massive front wheel (up to 60 inches) and a small rear wheel, designed for speed and comfort on rough roads before chain-driven "safety bikes" took over. Riding requires specialized skills due to high, unstable seating, making them dangerous, yet they are still used in parades, exhibitions, and by enthusiasts. (#50176-10545)  |