Plowright Ordinary Bicycle

This ordinary bicycle aka penny farthing came to us in a terrible state. Maybe it was dug up or found in a river it was bad, some before pictures at the bottom. Luckily due to its very distinctive bearings it was easily identify the maker. This veteran bicycle was made in Kings Lynn, Norfolk by the maker James Plowright. Based on the handlebars, locknut spokes and method of construction I dated it pre 1879. The bearings are very advanced for an ordinary bicycle that could have been made as early as 1876. They bearings were in a bad way but after machining a new set of rollers they functioned as intended. It needed a lot of corrosion repair on the frame, new wheel rims, pedals, saddle etc.. it’s never going to be mint condition with such extensive rust but the machine is now saved and usable for learning to ride or display.

Here are some images of the extensive damage and repair