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