“The Ligna” Original Wood Bicycle, 1890s Surviver

April 19, 2019 in Blog 0

This wooden bicycle is one even a seasoned collector may not know. “The Ligna” really is a scarce example and worthy as a museum display. All wooden wheel and frame antique bicycles are among the rarest and this more so. There were few made and very costly. The Hickory wood was strong but still susceptible to moisture and weather. The construction of this model uses more wood than any other maker. This example is an original surviver… Just the tires are replacements. All we did was clean it a bit. Note that even the handlebars are steam bent wood. Included is a beautiful period Carbide headlight. “THE LIGNA” name was used by the Chicago department store Franklin MacVeagh & Company in the 1890s as their brand. The manufacturer is now unknown. We know of only 3 others out there.