Those San Franciscans in the market for a rare, handmade antique bicycle in the shape of a seahorse are in luck this week as an exceptional ride has been posted for sale to Craigslist. The bike, apparently only one of a few of its type ever made, was constructed in the 1890's and put on display at Sutro Baths and later the Cliff House. And it can all be yours for the low low price of $25,000.
The man behind the listing, Dan Horenberger, told the Chronicle the only reason he's selling the wooden steed is because of an upcoming move.
Horenberger describes the piece as a "golden fantasy sea-theme bicycle" that comes complete with what looks to be an intact crank and chain. And yes, it's definitely "a full size bike" (48″ L x 36″ H) notes the listing, though it would be hard to image anyone trying to ride that thing.
If you find yourself (understandably) wondering who the potential customer base is for an item like this, Horenberger helpfully points out that in the 1980's George Lucas paid $60,000 for a similar ride. He lists additional information on his website, quoting a letter to the The Heritage Museum in Sandwich, Massachusetts, inquiring as to the providence of the seahorse bicycle (that museum has a similar one in its collection).
“The bike was in the Cliff Side Museum from 1901 until 1966, the year the building had a fire," the 1970's letter reads. "It is believed to have been made by a Chinaman. The chain is in the 1890 period."
Horenberger lists a ton of other unique items for sale as well, including the original 1844 carriage used by General Tom Thumb — the stage name of a little person who performed with P.T. Barnum in the mid 1800's. The asking price? $310,000.
Horenberger's website quotes a one-time owner of a similar bicycle, Al Sphil, as saying the bikes were used for ornamental purposes — but not in the manner you would perhaps expect.
“There were eight or 10 of these bicycles made by a Chinese man, and that all of them were bought for Sutro Baths by George Whitney," explained Sphil. "One was put on a rope and ran back and forth above the baths."
So maybe the next time you head to what's left of San Francisco's Sutro Baths, take a moment to picture this "golden fantasy sea-theme bicycle" passing back and forth over the heads of the bathers once gathered there — it suddenly makes the experience seem, well, a bit psychedelic.
