The cats are riding penny farthings, the name for the big-wheeled bicycles that were popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Incidentally, the name penny farthing comes from the British coins, which had a similar difference in size to the bicycle wheels.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Cats on Penny Farthings
This is an old advertising card from J & P Coats. They made (and still do!) yarn, thread, and other sewing material. In fact, they are the world's largest sewing thread and needlecraft supplies manufacturer and distributor.
The cats are riding penny farthings, the name for the big-wheeled bicycles that were popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Incidentally, the name penny farthing comes from the British coins, which had a similar difference in size to the bicycle wheels.
Here's the back of the advertising card:
The cats are riding penny farthings, the name for the big-wheeled bicycles that were popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Incidentally, the name penny farthing comes from the British coins, which had a similar difference in size to the bicycle wheels.
I don't think I would like a group of cats hurtling towards me on bikes, meow. Love the card though.
ReplyDeleteI have more than a few Coats' bobbins.
What a fantasic postcard. Never seen anything quite like it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what a penny farthing is. Thanks for explaining! That card is too cute:)
ReplyDeletethis is wonderful!
ReplyDelete