Far Rockaway Studio Photo of Man with Tie and Indian Motorcycle 1905 Real Photo Postcard

Early motor-bicycles, often called motocycles or autocycles, represent a critical phase in the evolution of personal transportation around the turn of the 20th century. These machines were essentially robust bicycles modified with small internal combustion engines, providing a new level of speed and autonomy for individuals. The prominent bulb horn, like the one seen, was a standard accessory for signaling on these early, often noisy, motorized conveyances, reflecting the nascent stage of automotive safety and road etiquette.