| When bicycles were first introduced they | | | | that has a single fixed gear. This is a |
| were considered to be a recreational | | | | good sign that the bike was designed for |
| toy. However, retailers and message | | | | a courier service. Next you will want to |
| services quickly realized the value of | | | | look for evidence that the bike was |
| bicycles as a delivery vehicle. Bikes | | | | owned by a courier service. Look |
| were quicker than traveling by foot, and | | | | especially for painted company names, |
| less expensive and easier to maneuver | | | | company logo stickers and serial numbers |
| than horses were. These qualities made | | | | that you can use to authenticate the |
| them ideal for delivering packages and | | | | bike with. |
| important messages in large cities. | | | | When shopping for an antique courier |
| The first courier bicycles were used by | | | | bike you also want collect the story |
| the Paris Stock Exchange in 1870. | | | | behind the bike. Sometimes this story |
| However, the American company, Western | | | | can be just as valuable as the bike |
| Union, quickly adopted bicycles into | | | | itself. If you are buying the bike from |
| their New York City delivery fleet. | | | | the original owner or from a family |
| Bicycles were gradually added to message | | | | member of the bike's owner, then you |
| delivery and package delivery services | | | | need to ask them for the story behind |
| in other major cities throughout the | | | | the bike. Ask if there are photos of the |
| world. Today, bikes are still a popular | | | | bike being used, if there are letters or |
| vehicle for in-city package and message | | | | written information on the bike and if |
| delivery services. | | | | they have any family stories they are |
| If you are interested in buying an | | | | willing to share. This information and |
| antique courier bicycle then you need to | | | | supplemental materials can add value to |
| know what to look for before you start | | | | the bike if you are able to acquire |
| spending money. The first thing that you | | | | them. |
| will want to look for is an old bike | | | | |