Very rare and original, 1898 A. G. Spalding & Co. Catalog for the \"Christy Anatomical Saddle” Bicycle Seat featuring stunningly beautiful chromolithograph covers. This fantastic, extensively illustrated Booklet is titled “The Christy Anatomical Saddle\". It measures approx. 3 3/4” by 4 1/2” and contains 14 pages plus its illustrated paper wraps.
The Booklet is die cut is the general form of the skeletal pelvis and femurs which are illustrated on the front cover seated on a “Christy Anatomical Saddle” Bicycle Seat. The rear cover features a view in a doctor’s office where a beautiful young woman who appears in distress, is told by her doctor “Stop Riding or use the Christy Saddle”. The Booklet includes a number of illustrations of the bones of the pelvis and upper legs seated atop the Christy Bicycle Seat and the text implies that the typical bicycle seat is dangerous for both men and women while the Christy Saddle is much more “anatomically correct”.
As the ‘Physician states in this little booklet the Christy Anatomical Saddle was intended to do away with the ill-effects of pressure on the perineum (according to some definitions, the perineum in females it is located between the vagina and anus and in males between the scrotum and anus) and soft parts under the pubic arch. Since the days of horse riding, conservative society had been concerned that women might be enjoying clitoral stimulation from their saddles. So, when bicycles first came onto the market, the machines were made with enormous frames so that women couldn’t ride them. A temporary solution was found in the invention of the anatomical saddle: ‘When the saddle is properly adjusted with the peak slightly tilted downwards should not touch the rider’s perineum at all.’
A.G. Spalding was a sporting goods company from Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and, in the mid-1890s, they were America’s leading bicycle manufacturer. They marketed the renowned Christy Anatomical saddle, as well as other cycle accessories.
This original 1889 Bicycle Seat Catalog / Promotional Booklet is in very good condition. The original chromolithographed paper wraps are intact and sound and very attractive with bright bold colors and no significant wear or damage except for some small, light stains at the staples. The interior pages are complete and clean but there is some adhesion of some of the leaves at the spine edge. The illustrations on the covers are exceptionally attractive and the front cover with its skeleton image brings to mind the Antikamnia Calendars of the late 19th and early 20th century.
A very rare and wonderful, original, 1898 A. G. Spalding & Co. Catalog for the \"Christy Anatomical Saddle” Bicycle Seat and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!
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