The Columbine Chainless circa 1898
The late 1890's saw the introduction of the chainless bicycle. Most used a shaft drive mechanism with either a bevel or roller gear. The "Columbine" was truly unique and used a geared transmission housed in the bottom bracket to run drive rods to the rear wheel in the same manner as a locomotive. The "Columbine" had 2 forward gears, 53” and 74” with a neutral coasting position. There are no markings on this machine, serial number, etc. It may be a prototype. The below add is from The Wheel 1898 .
Manufacture date:
