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A superb and rare photo of the 1911 Merkel, Emblemand Indian motorcycles.
The Merkel Motor Company was founded byJoseph Merkel in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) in 1902. He started out by producingsingle cylinder motorcycles. Merkel was among the most innovative of thepioneer motorcycle companies. By 1905 Merkel had decided to engage incompetition, and produced several racing machines. Merkel\'s motorcycles were toset many performance standards during the emerging American racing scene. Thesemachines and their riders enabled Merkel to develop a patented spring frontfork that was to become the forerunner of the modern telescopic front fork.This fork became the instrument of choice on racing machines of other builders.Also Merkel developed a monoshock rear suspension, which was incrediblyadvanced for its age. Merkel\'s slogan became: \"All roads are smooth to TheFlying Merkel\". Merkel also used ball bearings as opposed to bronzebushings in the engine. In contrast to primitive atmospheric pressure intakevalves, Merkel designed his own camshaft operated valve operation system.Merkel also pioneered with his design of a throttle-controlled engine oiler,that long preceded Harley\'s and Indian\'s use of such a device.
The company was purchased in 1909 by the LightManufacturing Company, and was moved in its entirety to PottstownPennsylvania,producing machines with the \"Merkel Light\" andsubsequently \"The Flying Merkel\" names. Joseph Merkelbegan immediately experimenting with frame and suspension improvements, and newengine designs. A young test rider by the name of Maldwyn Jonesrode one of Merkel\'s creations. An inventive mechanic and racer, Jones set upthe bike and defeated the reigning champion Erwin G (Cannonball) Baker in a tenmile race. The following season, Jones turned professional and won three offour races on a machine bearing \"The Flying Merkel\" logo on the tank.Jones went on to become a national champion racer and helped Merkel achieverecognition among performance enthusiasts.
In 1911 the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company purchasedMerkel, and production was moved to Middletown Ohio. The Miami Company, organizedin 1895, was building bicycles and Motorcycles using names best known asRaycycle, and Miami.The Merkel acquisition gave Miamithe high-end product that it needed to be regarded as a premiere manufacturer.The factory racing team by then expanded to include such names as LS Taylor, FEFrench, CF Pinneau, and W Wikel. In 1914 Theflying Merkel won the National endurance run from Chicago to St Louis. Maldwyn Jones then broke a world\'srecord on the Vanderbilt Course. When he returned to Middletown he was given a hero\'s welcome.
Engineering innovation, high quality, and racing successeswere not enough to sustain this progressive endeavor. The onset of war and, acontracting market, and increased competition caused production of The FlyingMerkel to falter. The final Merkel machines were produced in 1917.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos youbuy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear onphoto, for purposes only)
No copyrightexpressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out ourarchives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent wellprotected in PVC clear filesand board backedenvelopes.
We havephotographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from theoriginal photographer or press studio! They are all of professional andexcellent quality.
After many decadesof professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out ourarchives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. Theywill look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with aborder. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,restaurant, bar or club!
First come -first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask anyquestions before the sale ends.
