We have two versions, the one featured here is in better condition though not substantially so.
The back cover of the catalog featured says “European Office: 24 Aldersgate St., London, E.C.”, the other version has no text in that section (see images).
The strongly patriotic theme of the artwork was unquestionably inspired by the four month long Spanish-American War that began and ended in 1898, the year prior. Naval ships are seen in the distance, as a crew of sailors rows to shore, its American flag on proud display, as its officer smartly salutes the confident and stylishly dressed lady onshore accompanied by her Dayton Model 31 Special (page 11). Continuing the theme, the back cover displays Dayton bicycle logos superimposed over American flags.
The naval ship in the center closely resembles the armored cruiser
USS New York (ACR-2) with its two masts and three smoekstacks. The first ship of this class was the ill-fated
USS Maine (ACR-1) which only had two smokestacks, and whose sinking in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898 was one of the main catalysts of the outbreak of the war two months later. This was largely provoked by the public’s assumption encouraged by the press that the sinking was an act of Spanish sabotage –
“Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” – even though in the view of many US naval officers at the time the most likely cause was the spontaneous explosion of bituminous coal to which it was prone.
The catalog is highly produced for what had to be a high-end luxury item given the prices. Page 4 describes the famous “spherical hubs” and “spherical crank hanger.” They are not advertised as new innovations, but they were not featured in the 1897 catalog, and while to date no copy of the 1898 catalog is known to exist presumably that was the year they were introduced.
Main Models
Model 30 – Special Men’s Roadster – Price: $75 ($2,950)*
Model 32 – Special Road Racer Price – $75 ($2,950 )
Model 33 – Special Track Racer – Price: $75 ($2,950)
Model 31 – Ladies Special – Price $75 ($2,950)
Model 35 – Men’s Roadster – Price $50 ($1,967)
Model 36 – Ladies Roadster – Price $50 ($1,967)
Dayton Tandems
Model M – Single Steering Road Tandem – Price $110 ($2,118)
Model N – Double Steering Tandem – Price $110 ($2,118)
Model K – Special Track Tandem – Price $110 ($2,118)
The Dayton Triplet (special order) – Price $200 ($3,850)
The Dayton Quad (special order) – Price $400 ($7,700)
Model O – Combination Tandem – Price $110 ($2,118)
Model L – Double Drop Tandem – Price $125 ($2,406)
*CPI adjusted to 2025.
Mark Huffman 10/10/2026
