Draisine Collection

BICYCLING: DRAISINE, 1816. The Draisine, or Pedestrian Curricle, devised, 1816, by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun. Drawing, 19th century

A nineteenth century three wheeled velocipede on a railroad track. From The Strand Magazine, published 1896
745826 A nineteenth century three wheeled velocipede on a railroad track. From The Strand Magazine, published 1896 by English School, (19th century)

Draisienne, ancestor of the bicycle, 1820 (colour engraving)
PER437849 Draisienne, ancestor of the bicycle, 1820 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Baron Karl Drais (1785-1851) patented his invention

Pedestrian Hobbyhorse, from Ackermanns Repository of Arts, 1819 (colour litho)
STC101841 Pedestrian Hobbyhorse, from Ackermanns Repository of Arts, 1819 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

A velocipede race at Jardin du Luxembourg in 1818 after an engraving of the time
PER326528 A velocipede race at Jardin du Luxembourg in 1818 after an engraving of the time, engraved by P. Comte (19th century) (colour engraving) by Duvaux

Laufmaschine (running machine), named Draisine, bicycle invented by Baron Karl Christian Ludwig Drais von Sauerbronn in 1817. Etching. FRANCE. Paris. Mus饠 Carnavalet (Carnavalet Museum)

A Nineteenth Century Three Wheeled Velocipede On A Railroad Track. From The Strand Magazine, Published 1896

American Steam Velocipede, three-wheeler by Sauerbronn-Davis, wood engraving, published 1888
American Steam Velocipede. Historical three-wheeler with steam drive by Sauerbronn-Davis from 1883. Wood engraving, published in 1888

Laufmaschine 1820 Osterreich, Austria, 1820, side view, drive side. No gears, Frame: wood, Wheel size back: 71cm/front: 58cm Special features - only used by very wealthy

Johnsons Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Riding School, 1819 (colour litho)
XCF322599 Johnsons Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Riding School, 1819 (colour litho) by Alken, Henry Thomas (1785-1851) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Ladies Accelerator, 1819 (engraving)
XJF322597 The Ladies Accelerator, 1819 (engraving) by Cruikshank, Isaac Robert (1789-1856); British Museum, London, UK; (add.info)

Modern Olympics, c. 1820 (engraving)
XCF322596 Modern Olympics, c.1820 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cartoon satirising the vogue for hobbyhorse bicycles; ); English, out of copyright

Velocipedes (coloured engraving)
XIR216689 Velocipedes (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Beit Collection, Co. Wicklow, Ireland; French, out of copyright

19th Century velocipede, artwork C018 / 7054
19th Century velocipede. 1880 engraving of a velocipede from 1868. The velocipede also known as the dandy horse or laufmaschine (running machine)

Railway velocipede, 1880s C017 / 6909
Railway velocipede. 19th-century artwork of a three-wheeled vehicle, powered by cycling and designed to be used on railways and called a velocipede, draisine, or handcar

19th Century ladies handcar, artwork C018 / 7056
19th Century ladies handcar. Engraving of a ladies hand-powered draisine from 1885

19th Century velocipede, artwork C018 / 7053
19th Century velocipede. 1880 engraving of a man riding a velocipede designed by Karl Drais in 1818. The velocipede also known as the dandy horse or laufmaschine (running machine)

PEDESTRIAN CURRICLE, c1819. An early velocipede, c1819. Engraving after a contemporary drawing

BICYCLES: DRAISINE, 1816. The Draisine, or Pedestrian Curricle, invented by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun in 1816. Wood engraving, 19th century

BICYCLING, 1819. The Draisine, or Pedestrian Curricle, invented by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun in 1816 and introduced into the United States in 1819. Wood engraving, 1869

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"Draisine: The Revolutionary Ancestor of the Bicycle" Step back in time to 1816 when Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun unveiled his groundbreaking invention - the draisine, also known as the pedestrian curricle. This early form of transportation marked a significant milestone in the evolution of bicycles. Imagine a three-wheeled velocipede gracefully gliding along a railroad track, as depicted in an enchanting drawing from The Strand Magazine published in 1896. This captivating image transports us to an era where innovation and adventure intertwined. The draisienne, showcased in a vivid color engraving from 1820, served as the direct precursor to today's beloved bicycle. With its wooden frame and absence of gears, this marvel was reserved for only the wealthiest individuals who relished its luxurious padded seats and ornamental detailing. Intriguingly named "laufmaschine" or running machine, this two-wheeler gained popularity rapidly. A thrilling engraving captures a lively velocipede race at Jardin du Luxembourg in 1818 - showcasing how these contraptions captivated people's imaginations even then. Not limited to Europe alone, America had its own version of steam-powered velocipedes by Sauerbronn-Davis. A wood engraving published in 1888 showcases this unique creation that pushed boundaries further still. As we delve deeper into history through vibrant lithographs like Johnsons Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Riding School from 1819 or The Ladies Accelerator from the same year, it becomes evident that both men and women embraced this new mode of transport with equal enthusiasm. Even during ancient times resembling modern Olympics events captured in engravings circa 1820 featured athletes competing on their trusty draisines – proving that sportsmanship has always been synonymous with human progress. Today we owe our gratitude to Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun for his visionary invention that kick-started a revolution in transportation.