Singer Royal Challenge 1881

If you know Singers, you can't miss them. Especially not if the maker's name is etched in the spring. This 52 inch 'Royal Challenge' has serial number 12533 stamped left side of the neck and was built in 1881. It has the typical Singer brake lever and brake spoon. Later Singers (past 1884-85) had the serial number stamped at the right side of the neck. 

This very nice and original bicycle has optional ball bearings on front hub, which was state of the art in 1881. These 'Green patent' bearings were only used for a short period.
The rear wheel still has cone bearings. This bicycle also features the straight handlebars, as common with ordinaries until 1883-1884. The bell is lovely and original.
Around 1885 Singer fitted their bicycles with another type of detachable handlebars

Click the picture for a link to more pictures on my Flickr site.