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Original antique black-and-white photograph showing a young man posed astride an early Pierce Single motorcycle, dating to approximately 1912.
The motorcycle is identifiable by several characteristic Pierce features, including its distinctive large-diameter tubular frame, single-cylinder engine, early front fork configuration, and prominent period headlamp. Pierce Cycle Company of Buffalo, New York produced motorcycles only briefly during the early 20th century, and surviving Pierce machines are highly sought after by early-motorcycle collectors.
The motorcycle appears consistent with the Pierce Model 12 Single family of approximately 1912. Pierce offered several Model 12 variants during this period; the exact 12A, 12B, or 12C subtype cannot be confirmed from the visible angle, so no more specific attribution is being made.
The photograph is particularly appealing because the motorcycle is shown nearly full view with its rider in a rural residential setting, providing an excellent period image of an exceptionally early American motorcycle.
Condition: Original period photograph with substantial age-related wear. The lower-left corner is missing/torn away, with additional edge and corner wear, light toning, surface marks, and general handling wear. The reverse has a large area of old black album-paper or adhesive residue from previous mounting. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.
A scarce and visually strong original image for collectors of Pierce motorcycles, early American motorcycles, pre-WWI transportation, antique motorcycle photography, and early motoring history.
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