Magnat Debon ca 1912 3602-100

Magnat-Debon 1912ca  Model G  3-speed gear in bottom bracket  frame # 8338

Magnat-Debon, founded in  Grenoble  in 1892 by Joseph Magnat and Louis Debon,  was one of the most innovative of the early French cycle manufacturers.
They were pioneers in the field of bottom bracket gears and already around 1905 they offered 2- speed and 3- speed gears in their top of the range Model F and G  bicycles.
The gear is operated via a rod and  trigger disc, with the letters P (“Petite” or Low) M (“Moyenne” or Medium) and G ( “Grande” or High).
This bicycle was once part of the well-known Collection Wouters, at the Museé du Cycle in Falmignoul, Belgium.

Mr Wouters adorned a number of machines in his collection with various accessories; this original paint,  28-inch wheel machine has a 1904 French bicycle tax badge, a 1914 enamel tax plate of the  Belgian province of Liège, battery-powered  electric front and rear lighting, tool pouch and tyre inflater.
Dual warning sign are provided; a handlebar-mounted bell with inscription “Rudolf Hlavacek, Trebic” and a front wheel mounted bell of Hungarian manufacture.
For timekeeping during a ride this elegant Magnat-Debon is fitted with a pocket watch.