Schwinn Panther bicycle, 1953
Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Richard Strauss, Negative #: 2003-19249
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This object appears in the following sections:
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Schwinn Panther girl's bicycle
Catalog #: 1986.1021.01,
Accession #: 1986.1021
Currently on display
From the Smithsonian Collection
Balloon tire bicycle, model D-77, made by Arnold, Schwinn, and Co., Chicago, IL. |
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Physical Description |
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Artifact. Excellent, original condition. Black, red, chrome, w/ whitewall tires. 6' L x 43" h
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Details |
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Credit: | Gift of James Lyle Hurd |
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History |
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Balloon-tire bicycles for girls and boys, introduced by Schwinn in 1933, intrigued millions of young Americans with the promise of personal mobility, and appealed to their imaginations with features that simulated automobiles and motorcyles. A typical model had long fenders, whitewall tires, streamlined styling, and a dummy gasoline tank containing a battery-powered horn. Mechanical features included internal-expanding brakes and shock-absorbing spring forks. Sales of children's balloon tire bicycles increased after World War II and remained strong until the late 1950s. Schwinn was an innovator and one of the largest makers of bicycles at the time.
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Related People, Places, and Events |
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Maker
Schwinn, Arnold & Company
1718 N. Kildare, Ave, Chicago 39, Ill
Donor
Hurd, James Lyle
Made
Chicago, Illinois
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