I'm downsizing my collection as we're moving next week. It was only logical that I would trade 3 english 3 speeds for 2 old american 1 speeds.
Usually when folks show up here at C+V with this kind of stuff, I send them to thecabe.com. I'll go there next, but I like you guys so I'm giving you first peep.
Here's the really old one;


It's a Rover, made by Colson. Looks like 1920s to me but what do I know about old bikes. 28" singletube tires would indicate 1933 or older I think.
Here's the really, really old one;

It's a Barnes, 1901.

I don't think 1901 is the year, though. The League of Wheelmen says that Barnes made bikes from 1895 to 1898. I've seen advertisements on Ebay claiming to be as late as 1901. Just when I'm getting my hopes up about having a 100 year old bike (I was terribly envious of PastorBob when he found that ancient thing he found, even though #7 in the tenspeed commandments is about not coveting) I notice the patent dates on the steel clad wood rims, 1910;

Here's some other clues, 1 piece crank with cast iron chainring (the Raleigh I traded for this was "All Steel");

Really nifty fork crown;

New Departure coaster hub;


And a new fangled theft deterent device;

I know grandpa left that key in this shoebox, I just know it.