Rare Stevens and Brown Clockwork Velocipede

Circa 1870s: Measuring an ample 8.5"H x 10.5"L x 4.75"D, the Stevens and Brown velocipede, forerunner of the modern tricycle, is one of the earliest and most cherished American clockwork toys, and this example is the scarce version with a young African American male driver. This classic toy was patented in 1870 by Stevens and Brown and distributed by Althof, Bergmann, and Company. This velocipede is in excellent working condition with original paint, including the child's pressed brass hands. There is typical fraying to the figure's clothing and one minor dent on the motor's housing, and the toy lacks its key. However, there are no breaks or repairs, and this is an outstanding example of this classic 19th century American toy.