From the Lichfield Mercury, 17th June 1901. Looks like my kind of shop. Clipping courtesy of the wonderful Peter 'Pedro' Cutler.
I love this advert sent by ace paper sleuth Pete Cutler. That’s a cracking bike – state of the art. Freewheel, back wheel leather strap hub-brake, achieved by rear pedal-engaged dog mechanism. Brooks saddle and toolbar, no doubt. This clearly wasn’t a bike shop – it was a transport emporium for the new century. How I’d love to nip back in time and browse. Wonder if they’d kit me out with plus fours and a cape to match?
Note the diversity of services – Perambulator tires changed, secondhand sales, spares and repairs. And if you have a telephone, just dial the operator and ask for Lichfield 16, or send a telegram.
Oh, for a small, gas-powered time machine…