[{"id": 7415800, "authorName": "vwbussed", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vwbussed/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "WOW!!! Another @BAT first for me.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638811648, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7415904, "authorName": "jimber", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimber/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by jimber", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638812593, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7415906, "authorName": "Samuelo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samuelo/", "bidAmount": 10000, "content": "$10,000 bid placed by Samuelo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638812640, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7415927, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The only one known in the world, and BaT gets the honor!\r\nWAY beyond my means, but @MrLarson, would you happen to have an \"as found\" photo of this amazing bike you'd be willing to share with the crowd here?", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638812860, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7415945, "authorName": "Samuelo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samuelo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That's one bad ass video of this masterpiece being assembled. Fantastic work @MrLarson.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1638813052, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7415999, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very excited to share this bike with you all and offer it up here on BAT!\r\n\r\nSome important points I would like to reiterate that really help this bike shine:\r\n\r\n- This is the only known complete 4-stroke Steffey known in the world. There are a number of 2 stroke bikes out there, but this one is in its own category\u2026. And if someone rolled another 4 stroke Steffey out of their closet in the near future, you could still say this one is the \u201cnicest\u201d \ud83d\ude09. For a guy interested in collecting the earliest American-made motorcycles, this bike is a must-have. Steffey was on the road even before Harley & Indian made their first machines. In 1901 America you only had a few options for a self propelled two-wheeled vehicle: Orient, Aster, Marsh, Steffey and a couple other small US brands.\r\n\r\n- The seat, handlebar grips, and tires are not reproduction. Those grips and seat are near mint original 120 year old pieces. They are not 100% perfect as they show some minor imperfections, but they are 100% real and 100% awesome! The tires are real, but likely from the teens as that seems to be the era for those button-tread tires in that size. \r\n\r\nI\u2019ll be here to answer any questions. Good luck bidding! \ud83d\udc4d", "likes": 20, "timestamp": 1638813545, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416084, "authorName": "BodyByFisher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bodybyfisher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "To put this in perspective. Alexander Calder's 1945 \u201cLily of Force\u201d, a hanging kinetic sculpture, sold at auction for $18.5 million. This 1901 Steffey puts that to shame. It's not even close from an artistic perspective. And you can ride it.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1638814454, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416091, "authorName": "Slam105", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slam105/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Incredibly well done! I'd bet this Steffey wasn't this nice when new!\r\n\r\nCheers", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638814496, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416115, "authorName": "Ringmeister", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ringmeister/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Back when things were made to last.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1638814675, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416137, "authorName": "OutOfMyElement", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/outofmyelement/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I stopped riding motorcycles once I became convinced they were out to kill me. Then I took up bicycling. Now this looks like a great way to combine the two - I would be livin' the dream!\r\n\r\nGLWTA!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638814895, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416157, "authorName": "yellowc7vert", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/yellowc7vert/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I looked at this, then went into the garage to look at my new bicycle, then came back and looked at this again. It occurs to me that bicycle designers have been pretty dang lazy for the last 120 years.", "likes": 17, "timestamp": 1638815124, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416252, "authorName": "MrBonus", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrbonus/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Really cool. Any chance we could hear it running?", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638816229, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416250, "authorName": "Collins4A", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/collins4a/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MrLarson Very interesting early piece and beautiful restoration. Curious as to your background and what other early pieces you have built to your credit. Thank you and GLWTA", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638816332, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7416917, "authorName": "Jr53chief", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jr53chief/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Did you buy or build the display stands? Has the motor actually been started post assembly?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638818835, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7417424, "authorName": "GT3PDL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gt3pdl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Someone please call the great and wonderful Mr. George Barber, this seems right up his Alley! Very cool bike.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1638820857, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7417456, "authorName": "mountainrev", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mountainrev/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Imagine rolling into Sturgis on this bad boy! What an awesome early motorcycle!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638821096, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7417463, "authorName": "panchowilly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/panchowilly/", "bidAmount": 19001, "content": "$19,001 bid placed by panchowilly", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638821146, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7417469, "authorName": "panchowilly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/panchowilly/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sorry, I couldn't resist.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638821176, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7418377, "authorName": "PhilO", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/philo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do the pedals do anything?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638825368, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7418439, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@panchowilly \r\n\r\nKinda' like \"Jaws\" but you're going to need a bigger wallet! :)", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1638825640, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7418451, "authorName": "charliebird123", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/charliebird123/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here's the crux of the matter.... the video was so much fun to watch but it seems to me that the assembler has had all the fun. Now it'll get parked in someones' living room to gather dust, and oohs and aahs.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638825680, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7418453, "authorName": "jimber", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimber/", "bidAmount": 20000, "content": "$20,000 bid placed by jimber", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638825686, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7419812, "authorName": "David_C.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/david_c.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It just goes to show you that everything that is old becomes new again. Powered bicycles, usually battery powered, or known as \"E-Bikes\" are the hottest thing out there. The biggest difference between a 2021 E-Bike and the 1901 Steffey is the means of propulsion. Oh sure, there are plenty of other differences, but the basic philosophy is the same: Less strenuous than a bicycle, lighter and less complex than a motorcycle.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638831039, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7419967, "authorName": "taosman54", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/taosman54/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a historical jewel. @MrLarson you have my vote for best video of the year ,the restoration and presentation are second to none , very cool machine", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1638831697, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420103, "authorName": "David_C.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/david_c.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've restored quite a few bicycles over the years and considered myself a pretty fair bicycle restorer...until I saw the video by @MrLarson . Now, I realize I'm just a mere hack. As wonderful as the assembly video was, I couldn't help but think the number of hours it took to refinish each one of those pieces to get them to the point where they could be assembled. I figure this was at least 500 hours of labor?", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1638832375, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420326, "authorName": "kaalu", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kaalu/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "GREAT WORK", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638834586, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420500, "authorName": "itspeedmoore", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/itspeedmoore/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful work and video! Were the wheels trued after assembly? Was the inside of the frame treated to prevent rust? Also, you should grease the stem and seat post to prevent them rusting to the frame. Amazing machine!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638837110, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420618, "authorName": "fbuzz", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fbuzz/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@GT3PDL - You are absolutely correct. This incredible offering would fit nicely with the vast motorcycle collection at The Barber Motorsports Museum.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1638838445, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420632, "authorName": "Mgaguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mgaguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I need to ask - how many hours in assembly?\r\nI have to comment - this takes my breath away. To know that this is that old and has been restored to look this great!\r\nI have to suggest - @BaT let\u2019s have a story on this guy. \r\nI need to go look at my bicycle and maybe give it a clean and wax job. \r\nI have to wonder - where the heck is the final price going to be?\r\nI have to go now!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638838652, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420700, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Having been an avid cyclist for 6+ decades, including delivering pieces of dead animals using a 'butchers bike' I wish this had been around when I was huffing and puffing my way along, with a basket on the front.\r\n\r\nLiterally, I suspect, one of a kind.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1638839422, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7420879, "authorName": "Cycliccollective", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cycliccollective/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow this is cool", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638841794, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7421070, "authorName": "UncleHenry", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/unclehenry/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow\u2026 Now THAT\u2019s what \u201cdope\u201d means.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638844402, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7421496, "authorName": "lobster", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lobster/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Running/Riding video please. GLWA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638853455, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7421574, "authorName": "Deanwerks", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/deanwerks/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Super cool and very nice work. Sends me off looking at motorized bicycle and antique motorcycle info.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638855817, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7421586, "authorName": "bentbentley", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bentbentley/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sure is Purdy...beautiful in its simplicity! Can't wait to see what this goes for!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638856233, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7422222, "authorName": "Mkii250", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mkii250/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a beautiful thing to look at. I love it.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638888909, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7422565, "authorName": "FirebirdHank", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/firebirdhank/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'll be following just to catch the comments and, of course, to see where this goes.\nGreat video. GLWTA\nHave to wonder what the cost new was.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638893373, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7424525, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Jay? Oh Jaaaaayy! Looky-looky at this! \r\nWe all know you have room in your garage. ;)", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638907968, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7425037, "authorName": "Eaats33", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eaats33/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That is some quintessential North Dakota scenery right there.\r\nNice bike, too.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638910025, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7428061, "authorName": "935DP", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/935dp/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@FirebirdHank $16.00 including tax & reg.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1638928774, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7428334, "authorName": "Rockwyrm", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rockwyrm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I wish I could afford whatever the end bidding will go to.. It'll disappear into someone's living room or vault and never be seen again.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638933364, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7429080, "authorName": "Saleen07", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saleen07/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm just imagining Mike Wolfe's (American Pickers) expression if this was uncovered in the back of someone's barn or basement on his show. What an amazing piece of history this is and now beautifully restored. Kudos to the seller for finding and bringing this awesome piece back to showroom condition.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1638972475, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7430202, "authorName": "Samuelo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samuelo/", "bidAmount": 20250, "content": "$20,250 bid placed by Samuelo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1638985479, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7442399, "authorName": "Lightfoot1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lightfoot1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Imagine being 15 years old in 1901 and owning this? I'd feel like the king of the world.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639097214, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7442637, "authorName": "Digital_Disaster", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/digital_disaster/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So this is the Steffey my wife's always fantasizing about? I'll tell her.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1639100124, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7443499, "authorName": "Abarth695", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/abarth695/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "only described as chainless, BUT, it is shaft drive!!\r\nAs to lazy bike designers---in 1934 the french ruling bodyUCI banned recumbents because they were&are faster, mandating the time honoured triangle, so here we are", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639127231, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7443618, "authorName": "Scottpontiac", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/scottpontiac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a wonderful piece of history ... it should be in the Smithsonian! What's amazing is the expert restoration and assembly took just 19 minutes to complete, according to the video I just watched!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639139447, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7444860, "authorName": "BeemerDave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/beemerdave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Too funny @Digital_Disaster! One wonders if the rebuilt engine was ever actually fired up. Yes, a ride/run video would be great, especially against that iconic ND scenery that @Eaats33 points out. In any case, this is one very cool machine. Unfortunately, not in the budget, but it will be fun watching this.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639157145, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7445041, "authorName": "jimber", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimber/", "bidAmount": 21000, "content": "$21,000 bid placed by jimber", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639159367, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7449678, "authorName": "BMWbuck", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmwbuck/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Like jewelry, but you can ride it. I'm just glad something like this is still here.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639189064, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7450192, "authorName": "realdealatthewheel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/realdealatthewheel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "They spike, I\u2019m in Whizzer owner, Best of luck with your auction", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639205088, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7450194, "authorName": "realdealatthewheel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/realdealatthewheel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I\u2019m really beginning to hate auto text, last message should have said, nice bike, I am a Whizzer owner, Best of luck with your auction", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639205132, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7451606, "authorName": "Cris", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cris/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great restoration. @mrlarson where did you get the rubber for the pedals, and do those happen to have tapered spindles? Those tires are amazing...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639245808, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7453632, "authorName": "MBM", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mbm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Awesome ride and guessing the black synthetic replacement pedals were via a 3D machine perhaps and nickel plating curtesy of a home plating kit while small pieces were spun off that lathe sitting in the background. Yes use what you have and get creative ?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639259381, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7454490, "authorName": "360challengestradale", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/360challengestradale/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "how many miles on the engine?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639269191, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7455085, "authorName": "Moss64", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/moss64/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is one of the most beautiful inanimate things I\u2019ve ever seen. And the depiction of the process is extraordinary ( not a video, not a movie - it\u2019s an Art Film). But surely there must be at least a video of it running. Otherwise it\u2019s just a pretty, but dead, object.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639281238, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7455410, "authorName": "FJCIV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fjciv/", "bidAmount": 22000, "content": "$22,000 bid placed by FJCIV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639309844, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7455412, "authorName": "realdealatthewheel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/realdealatthewheel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Needs To go to a museum or a true collector. In the future anyone selling a rare find like this might consider reaching out to Billy Joel. He has a wonderful antique bike shop located in Oyster Bay NY. Among many many bikes he also has a Whizzer like the one I have. He\u2019s a great guy and very friendly in person. Best of luck with your auction.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639310361, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7459138, "authorName": "carhillclimb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carhillclimb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MrLarson et al; It appears that part of the rear hub shell is a drum brake (I forget the name of the outer section) and there also appears to be a brake reaction arm. Did these orignally have rear brakes, possibly as an option? Or am I just misinterpreting what I am seeing? I first thought it would be a coaster brake, but I do not see any evidence of a coaster brake mechanism in the video of the rear hub assembly.\r\n\r\nI assume the whole shaft drive etc works so you can self-propel this machine when you do not want to spend the money on gas?\r\n\r\nCongratulations on assembling all the metal clamps around the tubes without scratching the paint. I cannot do that.\r\n\r\nFor anyone who cares, Sussex Chainless offered shaft drive assemblies for bicycles sometime in the 2000s. I have a bike with one which I almost never ride.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639355782, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7459669, "authorName": "RevSome", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/revsome/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Where has the seller gone? Just one initial comment despite the many questions and requests for start and ride videos.\r\n\r\nKinda takes the shine off the auction because everyone wants to see and hear it run but it doesn't look like that'll happen.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1639366612, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7459915, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hey all! Sorry for being absent. This is my first time ever using BAT for anything - bear with me \ud83d\ude05. I also don\u2019t really understand how to reply to anyone directly on here as I would on FB or other platforms, so it\u2019s been difficult to try to figure out a way to respond to everyone. \r\n\r\nAt the same time - I cut my fingers severely and have been out of commission from a lot of things. But anyways!\r\n\r\nTo answer everyone asking if the bike runs, or if I ever ran it: the answer is no. The engine was rebuilt to standards that would absolutely allow it to run if someone hooked a coil, battery, and fuel up to it. *However*, I restored this bike to be a display piece intentionally. It\u2019s sitting on 100 year old tires.. 120 year old wood rims & original spokes\u2026. Original 120 year old leather seat and grips. I am not interested in risking the condition of any of these irreplaceable items on this bike just to say \u201cit runs\u201d - let alone riding it. If you want a running and riding antique motorcycle, you can get a running Harley J model for less and ride on the highways all you want! This bike is meant to have \u201cwow factor\u201d in a collection or a museum. Yes, everything is in proper order to run, but it is not a running bike.\r\n\r\nFor reference though\u2026 in order to run this bike you would need to:\r\n- Wire a battery/coil circuit for the engine\r\n- glue the tires to the rims\r\n- glue a leather band to the rear wheel sheave for proper grip\r\n- re assemble the rear hub internals with no grease so the actuation for drive & braking via the pedals actually functions as it is intended to. In all honestly the rear hub internals are a silly design, but they are complete and in good condition. You just can\u2019t let any grease touch the actuating ball bearings as they won\u2019t fall in and out of these certain grooves properly\u2026 When they are working properly it is impossible to roll the bike backwards without the rear wheel locking up. I intentionally assembled them with a little grease so you could roll the bike around without any difficulty. It was a short lived design LOL.\r\n\r\nThank you for all the kind words and comments!\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s see where this bike ends!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1639375721, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7460294, "authorName": "watsonkli", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/watsonkli/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank you seller. I really enjoyed looking at these pictures and your craftsmanship. It's certainly an icon from the days when evolution was allowed to flourish. (reference to brake) I can see myself as an adolescent in1901 flying down a long hill and having the front tire going flat.\r\nI hope a museum ends up with it as I'd love to see it in person.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639403832, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7460518, "authorName": "craZee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crazee/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ran when parked (75 years ago?)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639407541, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7460881, "authorName": "Dphotos", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dphotos/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I would think this would be a great example for any serious motorcycle collector or motorcycle museum. All original pieces are with the bike. I am guessing there are not many examples of this bike around and it would be rare to find one in this condition. The company was only in business a few years.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639412244, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7460960, "authorName": "Jr53chief", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jr53chief/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Did you make or build the stands?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639413125, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7460976, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jr53chief the rear stand I made, but the front stand is an original circa 1900 bicycle rear stand. It wasn\u2019t sturdy enough to hold the bike up by itself, but it works perfect to keep the front wheel from turning to the side! Looks perfect too. \r\n\r\nBoth stands have a good amount of weight to them - they hold the bike well!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639413269, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461024, "authorName": "keesov", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/keesov/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "There is a 1902 Steffey on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum -- Birmingham, Al. https://oldmotodude.blogspot.com/2018/01/1902-steffey-on-display-at-barber.html?spref=pi", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1639413736, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461057, "authorName": "keesov", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/keesov/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I see a valve stem in the rim, but you mounted a solid tire. Did it come with tube tires in that time?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639414012, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461216, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@keesov the tires are pneumatic single tube tires. They are one hollow rubber rope basically. Very common on 1900-1910 bicycles before clincher rims became standard.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639415721, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461467, "authorName": "CobraLover", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cobralover/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is the coolest thing on BAT right now! Amazing restoration. Can you imagine taking delivery of this back in 1901? What an experience that must have been!?! GLWTS", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1639418414, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461479, "authorName": "lewisfoto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lewisfoto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "In 1901 this must have been pretty rad, now it's what the DUI dudes ride.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639418502, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461671, "authorName": "Auburn_Speedster", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/auburn_speedster/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MrLarson so to be clear, this motor and bike did not leave the factory together, correct? . Is this bike and the motor both from 1901 or are they from different years? I am just trying to determine the year correctness here as it affects the value. Its not a criticism. I am only asking these questions because I am interested in bidding. I also noted the 1902 Barber Museum piece has either a hand painted or decal on the tank with the Steffey name and it looks fantastic. \r\n\r\nThank you,\r\n\r\nPaul\r\n\r\nIf I bought the bike, do you have any resources who could hand paint it on the tank? I doubt they had decals 120 years ago and that would severely cheapen the bike.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639420551, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461845, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Auburn_Speedster Thanks for the interest! To clarify: this engine and chassis did not leave the factory together. However, while I was straightening and restoring the frame I found old repaired dents on the frame exactly where the Steffey brackets mount. [I will respond in the next message with a picture of those old repairs]. Was this chassis originally used with a Steffey? Hard to say. Was it originally used as a motorbike around the turn of the century. I would say yes, absolutely. \r\n\r\nAs far as the \u201cSteffey\u201d logo goes\u2026 there is not a shred of evidence anywhere that shows \u201cSteffey\u201d being painted or decal\u2019d onto any Steffey motorbike originally anywhere when they came out. That moniker is the combination of an artistic liberty taken by a restoration artist in the 1990\u2019s, and everyone since then copying that logo on their made up 2 stroke Steffey thinking it was correct. All respect due to the Barber and their collection, but their Steffey is a fantasy piece. It uses a later 2 stroke stationary engine in a period TOC frame and a mid century Whizzer style rear wheel sheave. \r\n\r\nThis is exactly why *this* Steffey is the best one anywhere. I don\u2019t mean to sound bitter or negative against the other Steffey\u2019s out there, but this bike is not comparable to the bike in the Barber (or the one that sold at Mecum a couple years ago), and that needs to be known. \r\nI restored this machine as correctly and honestly as possible in accordance to the finishes and configurations documented in original catalogs, brochures, and advertisements. If I had found any evidence that they put \u201cSteffey\u201d in fancy letters on it originally, I would have gladly lettered it myself \ud83d\ude09\r\n Now if the next owner wanted to put \u201cSteffey\u201d on it somewhere, I wouldn\u2019t blame them at all. It\u2019s kind of odd having a bike with no namesake on it, but that\u2019s how these were made originally. \r\n\r\nThank you for the interest. I hope this answer helps guide your decision. Good luck!", "likes": 15, "timestamp": 1639421778, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7461926, "authorName": "MrLarson (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlarson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Auburn_Speedster", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639422152, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7462137, "authorName": "TomMeadows", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tommeadows/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Water slide transfers were invented in the late 1800's as an outgrowth of the earlier Decalcomania techniques. If this machine had lettering it could have been either hand painted or done with a waterslide decal.\r\n\r\nBased on other Steffeys I have looked at, it most likely would have used the Steffey script logo, placed on the metal box behind the seat. \r\n\r\nThere are quite a few vendors on the web making period correct waterslide decals, and more than a few graphic artists that can duplicate the hand painting techniques early 1900s.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1639422915, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7462891, "authorName": "Boomvang", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boomvang/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a beautiful bike! It took me back to my early teen years, when my buddy Barry and I would fashion motorbikes, using just this formula. Step one; find a bike (not your little sisters, ask me how I know). Step two, find a discarded clothes dryer and pirate the large pulley off the bottom of the drum, Step three- find an old reel lawn mower to \"borrow\" the 3 hp Briggs and Stratton from. Step 5, mount said engine to frame with a hunk of \u00bc\" angle iron. Step 6, start that sucker up, and hold on for dear life. We made several, and rode them for miles, at times drawing the attention of the authorities, who either gave us a lecture, or stuffed the bikes in the trunk of the patrol car and took us home. Good times, and good luck with the auction.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1639425868, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7462932, "authorName": "jimber", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimber/", "bidAmount": 22500, "content": "$22,500 bid placed by jimber", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426117, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7462988, "authorName": "FJCIV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fjciv/", "bidAmount": 22750, "content": "$22,750 bid placed by FJCIV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426334, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7463007, "authorName": "jimber", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimber/", "bidAmount": 23000, "content": "$23,000 bid placed by jimber", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426410, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7463055, "authorName": "VanceKershner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vancekershner/", "bidAmount": 30000, "content": "$30,000 bid placed by VanceKershner", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426588, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7463072, "authorName": "935DP", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/935dp/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This should be a long 2 min.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1639426653, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7463096, "authorName": "FJCIV", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fjciv/", "bidAmount": 31000, "content": "$31,000 bid placed by FJCIV", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426758, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7463100, "authorName": "VanceKershner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vancekershner/", "bidAmount": 35000, "content": "$35,000 bid placed by VanceKershner", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426772, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 7463102, "authorName": "panchowilly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/panchowilly/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great stuff @Boomvang, but what was Step 4?", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1639426777, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7463105, "authorName": "935DP", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/935dp/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Fuel it", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426797, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7463134, "authorName": "VanceKershner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vancekershner/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 12/13/21 for $35,000 to VanceKershner", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1639426894, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 7463146, "authorName": "935DP", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/935dp/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow! Amazing buy @VanceKershner!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1639426941, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7463157, "authorName": "VanceKershner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vancekershner/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@935DP Thanks!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1639426974, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7463486, "authorName": "Moss64", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/moss64/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What an extraordinary work of art - and a great buy! The build film itself is worth the money. \r\n@Boomvang - great story! When I was 13 I put mini bike wheels on a bike frame, got my uncle to weld motor mounts on it & took it to a local shop where they hand stamped a VIN number on it (1960\u2019s Indiana), then on to the DMV for plates. Inspections were rather light - no one noticed the lack of brakes. Lawn mower engine, maxed out at 28mph. Rode it 5 miles to school, threw the chain 3 times. Felt like the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic. Very few police in rural Indiana and I never had to use my prepared statement, that this was a farm vehicle, legal to be ridden on the highway by a 13 year old.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1639428525, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7675972, "authorName": "Collins4A", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/collins4a/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Steffey to be auctioned at Mecum Jan 22....", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1642307007, "type": "comment"}]