Antique Sterling Cycle Works Bicycle c.1897-1899 Frame #15051 Original Patina For Sale

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Antique Sterling Cycle Works Bicycle c.1897-1899 Frame #15051 Original Patina:
$2984.50

The bicycle has frame number 15051 stamped directly into the frame/head tube, and the crank arm is clearly marked “STERLING.”

This is an early American bicycle with substantial surviving period equipment and an attractive, naturally aged appearance.

The bicycle has not been cosmetically restored, repainted, or refinished. It is being offered in its current preserved condition, with its original-looking aged finish and patina.

This bicycle would be of particular interest to collectors of early American bicycles, Sterling Cycle Works bicycles, antique transportation, and bicycle history. The bicycle appears to retain a substantial amount of original or period equipment, including:

Sterling Cycle Works frame
Frame number 15051
Sterling-marked crank arm
Period Sterling-style chainwheel
Early sprung leather saddle
Period handlebars and controls
Rear luggage rack
Frame-mounted toolbox
Large period front lamp
Period mudguards/fenders
Period pedals
Period wheels and hardware
Original-looking black finish
Natural aged patina

Because this is an approximately 125+ year-old bicycle, I cannot guarantee that every individual component is original to the bicycle. Some components may have been replaced during its long history.

The bicycle is therefore being represented as an authentic antique Sterling frame/bicycle with substantial original or period components, rather than claiming that every component is factory-original.

Frame Number: 15051

The number 15051 is stamped directly into the frame/head tube, immediately below the handlebar/steering-head area.

The location and appearance of the marking are consistent with a manufacturer frame-number stamping rather than a modern identification label.

The crank arm also carries the STERLING marking.

I have researched Sterling Cycle Works production history and historical references but have not located a surviving factory serial-number register that definitively assigns serial number 15051 to a particular year.

For that reason, I am not claiming a specific production year as proven.

Based on the frame construction, Sterling markings, components and historical information available, I believe the bicycle dates from approximately 1897–1899.