Twentieth Century Cycles: Edward O’Brien

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Date:April 1906

Description:The image above shows a letter written by cycle dealer Edward O’Brien to Cromartie Sutherland-Leveson-Gower (1851-1913), the fourth Duke of Sutherland, in April 1906.

The letter from Edward O'Brien Ltd. informs the Duke that the company supplied various models of Coventry-made bicycles to the Nobility ‘and others owning large estates’. The letter states that O'Brien offered the bicycles at wholesale prices well below those of large London stores.

The special prices offered by the company – for the purchase of a single machine only – were intended to entice prospective buyers into purchasing a bicycle. After making their first bargain purchase, the company hoped that they would be 'favoured with further orders'.

A number of catalogues describing the range of bicycles supplied by O'Brien are included with the letter. These included the ‘Coventry Chieftain’, ‘Coventry Challenge’ and ‘Progress’ cycles, each supplied with Edward O’Brien literature and many including a price list showing the difference between the maker’s original prices and O’Brien’s discounted wholesale prices.

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Donor ref:D593-V-10-417 (8/1627)

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