Woven Cord Suspension Saddle c.1905

Here is a most interesting saddle dating from the Edwardian period c.1905. Many of you will be familiar with the typical woven cord ‘hammock’ saddle fitted to Dursley-Pedersen bicycles (see left), but here is a variation on the theme that can be fitted other suitable bicycles of the period. The framework is of nickel plated wire and the cantilevered nose-piece is tensioned by a substantial spring. The tensioning of the spring is altered by tightening or loosening the knurled adjuster on the bolt which passes through the spring. The cover on this example was beautifully re-woven by Tony Colegrave, and the frame re-plated. I can report that I find it just as uncomfortable as the Dursley-Pedersen saddle!