Item Description
Original item Only One Available. This is an incredible fully restored and functional 1918 U.S. Army Contract Columbia Military Model Bicycle. We even test rode it! It is comprised of with 90% original components (also the wheels/tires are new). The frame is marked in the correct location on the underside of the crank housing and reads USA 8185.
The USA portion of this serial number signifies that this was a genuine Army issue bicycle and not a post war produced version. According to some historians, only about 25 of this model bicycle are known to have escaped the ravages of time, as well as both World Wars, and are still known to exist today. This is one of those 25.
Produced from 1917-1918, Approximately 26,000 Bicycles were manufactured and shipped overseas. One bicycle was allowed for every Company of Infantry, Engineers, Military Police, Ordinance, Signal etc, as well as each Battery of Artillery.
These would have been transported with unit baggage but were not used for troop movement, like European countries, who had entire bicycle combat units. Instead, these bikes were used to assist in the delivering of messages and other official unit business. After the War, they were sold off in France at auction.
We were told by the previous owner's estate that this particular example was found in France in the 1990s and returned to the United States.
Following the War, Columbia took existing parts, assembled them, and sold them commercially between 1919-1920. These will not have the "USA", "United States Army", surcharge in the serial number. This is an actual Veteran of WWI, that served with the American Expeditionary Forces in 1918.
Wheels are 28" and come with an additional set of brand new inner tubes. Restoration is so well done that we test rode it successfully. Please be aware of minor scratches and scuff in paint, review photos to see exact condition.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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