Imagine gliding down a Victorian lane perched atop a wheel taller than most people. The high-wheel bicycle – better known as the penny-farthing – was more than just an eye-catching way to get around. In the late 19th century, this quirky cycle with one giant wheel and one tiny wheel embodied innovation, status, and a dash of daredevil pride. Fast-forward to today, and antique penny-farthings are beloved collector’s items, restored and displayed with the same awe they inspired over a century ago. In this post, we’ll explore how the penny-farthing was invented and how it worked, the cultural pride it sparked in its heyday, and what it’s like to collect these high-wheel wonders now.
Continue reading “The High-Wheel Era – Penny-Farthings and Pride”