Brand catalog
American Star Bicycle
The American Star was an American high-wheel safety bicycle with its smaller steering wheel in front and lever-driven large wheel at the rear.
Company history
George W. Pressey patented the American Star design in 1880, and H. B. Smith Machine Company of Smithville, New Jersey put it into production in 1881. Its reversed wheel arrangement reduced the risk of pitching forward compared with an ordinary high-wheeler, while independent treadle levers drove the rear wheel. Demonstration riders, racing, polo, and an 1885 ride down the United States Capitol steps made the Star a prominent early safety-bicycle design.
- Founded
- 1880
- Headquarters
- Smithville, New Jersey, United States
- Country
- US
Library of Congress scan of the original American Star Bicycle broadside issued by H. B. Smith Machine Company; owner-authorized use; original 2413 x 3661 JPEG.
Verified public catalog
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