Big Bucks For Bikes
From pre-war Schwinns to the Stingrays of the '60s, bicycles are getting a second look from collectors. Saturday Early Show collectibles expert Tony Hyman, author of Trash or Treasure: Guide to Buyers, and bicycle expert Michael Kaplan gauge the worth of some antique bikes.
In 1817, a two-wheeled vehicle called a "velocipede" was patented in Germany. This early bicycle had no pedals, so the rider would sit on a bar between the wheels and use foot-power to push along the ground.
Bikes have come a long way since then. Today, collectors are finding value in those early experiments in two-wheeled propulsion as well as in some bikes built just decades ago.
Find out about other collectibles in The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Archive, or visit Tony Hyman's Web site. If you think you have a collectible worth cash, send an email to |
- The Monarch police bike built in the 1910s has a police headlight and is unique for its wooden rims.
- According to Kaplan, the Elgin Bluebird may be the most coveted bike in the world right now. Built in 1936, it originally cost $50, a lot of money during the Depression. It had lots of pressed steel, so many of them fell victim to the war-time metal drives. Today, a Bluebird is valued at $5,000 or more.
- In 1937, the tire company Firestone sold a Huffy bike as a promotional item. It was unusual for its full-suspension system, very rare for that time. Today its estimated worth is $6,000.
Michael Kaplan is happy to answer any questions about bicycles from any period including modern reproductions. Visit his Web site or email him at bac2the50s@aol.com.