Another...can you identify this old/vintage (maybe) giraffe unicycle

[ally1776]

I found this for sale in my area and was wondering if anyone can identify the make, age, history, any info at all. The sellers are stating it is from 1920, I googled it with no luck.
I'm not really into purchasing old unicycles but I was just wondering about it.
Thanks for any help.

[Pigs on Unicycles]

I don't know what the unicycle is but that is a Brooks saddle and those are comfy as I don't know what. How much is it for sale for?

Gene

[johnfoss]

Originally Posted by Pigs on Unicycles

I don't know what the unicycle is but that is a Brooks saddle and those are comfy as I don't know what.

Obviously you haven't tried one on a unicycle. Then they're as comfy as sitting on an axe head.

If there were a few more pixels in those pictures we'd be able to tell you something. Can you post them bigger? If it is indeed from the 1920s or so, it's handmade. That's all there was then. I don't know when the first factory-made giraffes became available, but probably not before the 50s or 60s.

[ally1776]

Originally Posted by ally1776

I found this for sale in my area and was wondering if anyone can identify the make, age, history, any info at all. The sellers are stating it is from 1920, I googled it with no luck.
I'm not really into purchasing old unicycles but I was just wondering about it.
Thanks for any help.

Originally Posted by Pigs on Unicycles

I don't know what the unicycle is but that is a Brooks saddle and those are comfy as I don't know what. How much is it for sale for?

Gene

$90 + tax

Originally Posted by johnfoss

Obviously you haven't tried one on a unicycle. Then they're as comfy as sitting on an axe head.

If there were a few more pixels in those pictures we'd be able to tell you something. Can you post them bigger? If it is indeed from the 1920s or so, it's handmade. That's all there was then. I don't know when the first factory-made giraffes became available, but probably not before the 50s or 60s.

I figured you guys would be much more knowledgeable about the unicycle, that is why I asked. I haven't a clue about older unicycles. Here is a try at a larger picture. Thanks again.

[johnfoss]

The seat's on backward. That is, if it's like most bikes, where the chain goes on the right. Riding it backwards too much will cause the pedals to unscrew and strip the cranks.

Two definite signs of age that I can see are the wide-spaced teeth on the top sprocket. The original chain on there may have been of the block variety (further between links). Also those really long dropouts are something I've seen on lots of old cycle pictures.

Looks like you got your money's worth, if you are into such things. What are your plans for the cycle? It would be best to keep it in its original form, rather than putting "modern" parts on it. Or hang it on the wall. If you want to do upgrades, definitely look for a cycling enthusiast to buy that seat, it could be worth as much as you paid for the whole cycle!

The bottom bracket (crank mechanism), chain and wheel axle could probably use a rebuild with new grease. Also if it's a conventional chain, I'd recommend replacing it as it probably isn't original anyway. A broken chain can be pretty dangerous on a giraffe.

[MuniOrBust]

Hey ally1776, I saw this ad and emailed the seller too, before seeing this thread.
I got the same picture though not the close up of the seat.
The seller said $95.

But I'm not interested either, just curious.

[ally1776]

Originally Posted by johnfoss

The seat's on backward. That is, if it's like most bikes, where the chain goes on the right. Riding it backwards too much will cause the pedals to unscrew and strip the cranks.

Two definite signs of age that I can see are the wide-spaced teeth on the top sprocket. The original chain on there may have been of the block variety (further between links). Also those really long dropouts are something I've seen on lots of old cycle pictures.

Looks like you got your money's worth, if you are into such things. What are your plans for the cycle? It would be best to keep it in its original form, rather than putting "modern" parts on it. Or hang it on the wall. If you want to do upgrades, definitely look for a cycling enthusiast to buy that seat, it could be worth as much as you paid for the whole cycle!

The bottom bracket (crank mechanism), chain and wheel axle could probably use a rebuild with new grease. Also if it's a conventional chain, I'd recommend replacing it as it probably isn't original anyway. A broken chain can be pretty dangerous on a giraffe.

Thanks John, basically I wondered if it was really a 1920s unicycle and if it was worth checking out further. I haven't purchased it but maybe I will go look at it after your critique. I really have no interest in a giraffe unicycle at this point but maybe it would be a good piece to add to the collection . I appreciate the time you took to answer, thank you.

Originally Posted by MuniOrBust

Hey ally1776, I saw this ad and emailed the seller too, before seeing this thread.
I got the same picture though not the close up of the seat.
The seller said $95.

But I'm not interested either, just curious.

MuniOrBust, he emailed me $90, lol. I might go check it out just for grins.

[GILD]

Originally Posted by johnfoss

The seat's on backward. That is, if it's like most bikes, where the chain goes on the right.

That would be backed-up by the position of the seat-clamp as well.