A Steve McQueen Hendee & Nelson 'Silver King' Bicycle, Circa 1890s....

Description

A Steve McQueen Hendee & Nelson 'Silver King' Bicycle, Circa 1890s. Painted black, frame #1596 with solid rubber tires on wooden rims, vintage leather seat, portion of a 19th century lantern affixed to the front, nickel handle bars, period-style hand-painted plaque that hangs from the cross bar reads "Steve McQueen" on both sides [likely painted by his friend, the famous pinstriper, Von Dutch], partially restored by McQueen in the 1970s; accompanied by a later-made steel stand; interestingly, the Hendee & Nelson Manufacturing Company was the predecessor to what became The Indian Motorcycle Company of Springfield, MA. It is by no coincidence that McQueen's association with and adulation of Indian Motorcycles resulted in the purchase of this piece of early bicycle/motorcycle history for his personal collection.
Frame 23" x 25"; Wheel diameter: 28"

PROVENANCE:
Sold to the current owner in 2012 by Barbara McQueen [the actor's widow] and included with a signed LOA from her which has been laminated.

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