Flying Merkel Mounted Photograph

About this Item

A great hand-colored photograph of a Flying Merkel motorcycle with two seats. Photograph measures 5 ˝" x 3 ˝"; mount measures 7 ˝" x 5". No photographer information. Likely taken in the 1910s or 20s. Previous owner's notes in manuscript on verso. Mount has light wear to edges and light silvering. The view depicts a man and the Flying Merkel motorcycle in a yard with roses and in the background. "The Merkel brand first appeared in Milwaukee Wisconsin in 1902 when Joseph Merkel set-up shop producing single cylinder motorcycles. Merkel was among the most innovative of the pioneer motorcycle companies…[Their] motorcycles were to set many performance standards in the emerging American racing scene" (Wikipedia). The Flying Merkel was first manufactured in 1910 after the company was purchased by the Light Manufacturing Company. The name of the motorbike was emblazoned on the fuel tank so all competitors could see it as it whizzed by.

Seller Inventory # 020483

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Flying Merkel Mounted Photograph
• Condition: Very Good