1912 Davis Sewing Machine Company Bicycle Catalog

Though not as highly produced as the first catalogs of the late 1890s (e.g., 1896 & 1899) , the 1912 catalog retruns to that tradition after a retreat to the lower production values seen in the 1905 catalog. End papers have a pattern of rounded diamonds alternating the Dayton bicycles logo and the tagline “True as Steel and Skill Can Make Them.”

The first page indicates this is a customized catalog for a particular distributor: “J.W. Grady & Co./Worcester, Mass./Distributors fro New England and New York States.” There is also an inked stamp for a specific retailer: “For Sale By/A.N. Pierce/Sporting Goods & Bicycles,/28 Davis St., Greenfield.” printed on pages 1, 3, 8-9 & 16. “Greenfiled” undoubtedly refers to Greenfield, Massachusetts, which is about 60 miles northwest of Worcestor.

Items of Note

First instance we are aware of the tagline “True As Steel and Skill Can Make Them”.

First instance we are aware of the “DAYTON” sprocket.

Description on page 6 of the “Spring Fork” states that “The ‘DAYTON’ Spring Fork (Patented) is an entirely new feature for 1912”, though none of the bicycles in the catalog feature it, nor is there any indication of how to select it as an option.

Center page spread freatures a nice image of the factory and photos of the interior showing employees at work.

First instance we are aware of the rear piston shock absorber on the “Cushion Frame Roadster” Model 127 on page 11.

Much is made of the availability of “The Lester Clutch Coaster Brake” on pages 14 & 15.

The only instance we are aware of the expanded version of the Dayton Bicycles logo on page 16.

Models
Dayton Racer – Model 123 – Price $50 ($1,696)*
Men’s “Three-Arch Truss” Roadster – Model 125 – Price $40 ($1,357)
Cushion Frame Roadster – Model 127 – Price $50 ($1,696)
Dayton Roadster – Model 120 – Price $30 ($1,018)
Ladies Roadster – Model 121 – Price $30 ($1,018)

*CPI adjusted to 2025.

Mark Huffman 10/11/2026