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Schwinn Panther Bicycle, 1953

Object Details

Description
This is a Model D-77 balloon-tire Schwinn Panther girl's bicycle made by Arnold, Schwinn and Co., Chicago, Illinois in 1953. Balloon-tire bicycles for girls and boys, introduced by Schwinn in 1933, intrigued millions of young Americans with the promise of personal mobility, and appealed to their imaginations with features that simulated automobiles and motorcycles. A typical model had long fenders, whitewall tires, streamlined styling, and a dummy gasoline tank containing a battery-powered horn. Mechanical features included internal-expanding brakes and shock-absorbing spring forks. Sales of children's balloon tire bicycles increased after World War II and remained strong until the late 1950s. Schwinn was an innovator and one of the largest makers of bicycles at the time.
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
Arnold, Schwinn and Co.
date made
1953
Credit Line
Gift of James Lyle Hurd
Object Name
Bicycle
Other Terms
Bicycle; Road

Featured In

  • Smithsonian Bicycle Collection:The Safety Bicycle and Beyond
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