H. J. Grout ‘Tension’ Bicycle 54 inch ca. 1878 3102-20

H. J. Grout ‘Tension’ Bicycle ca. 1878 

This 54-inch machine, has a Stanley patent headstock, 18-inch straight handlebars with patented twisting grip brake mechanism.
The bone grips and saddle pan are original.
The machine is fitted with  patented Grout rear wheel bearings with a full array of brass cistern oilers.
The circular section backbone carries a leaf spring saddle support. Each spoke is lock-nutted and the ¾-inch rims have black rubber tyring.
The 20-inch trailing wheel is fitted to delightfully swept rear forks; original pedals come with this good and rare early machine.