c1900 Mead Sentinel

[joe]

Our museum acquired a c1900 Mead Sentinel for ladies. The frame has a fantastic finish, which appears to be original. Joinery is in nickel. The paint pattern I'll call "rosebud," with swirls of red paint on a black background. Fine floral filagree flourishes near the joints. Aluminum filigree chain guard by The Turner Brass Works (patent Apr. 13, 1897). Handy Automatic Brake (last patent 1899). Sterling silver handgrips are monogrammed "L. N. M." Serial number is 58663.

I'd like to learn more about these Sentinels of the period. Date built, options available. Was this finish available from Mead?

Joe Breeze, curator
Marin Museum of Bicycling
Fairfax, CA

[DelombardR]

Does anyone have a Mead serial number list?

Or anyone with a Mead model, year, and serial number?

Asking for Joe B.

[joe]

Thanks to DelombardR and Wheelmen librarian Bill Smith I now know that "Rosebud" is an 1898 Mead Sentinel Special. The 1899 Handy Auto Brake and aluminum filagree chain guard being upgrades shortly thereafter.

Yes, I would like to see how our serial number fits in the Mead records of such.

--Joe