Authentic 1932 Bicycle

The Langstraat with Waalwijk in the centre was once the mecca of the shoe and leather industry in the 1920’s and 30’s. In those years, the shoe craftsman working by hand in homework earned a meagre weekly wage of about 3 to 5 Dutch guilders. It was a very poor existence casting a shadow over the existence of these craftsmen and their families. This almost 100-year-old bicycle dates back to 1932, a period when shoe craftsmen sought out well-to-do industrialists and dignitaries with their artisanal tools. The objective was simple but essential: to repair shoes, boots and saddles for a very modest extra income at their individuals’ homes. The only means of transport was this type of bicycle.
Jan Pulles, always searching for forgotten treasures from that historic shoe and leather era and guardian of cultural heritage, found this special bicycle and various tools in a barn, owned by a family member of the Bergmans family Waalwijk. Jan Pulles was able to get it into his possession with an absolute promise to keep it in honour. Over the past 20 years, we have worked hard to restore it in its original state, paying attention to every detail, as if time had stood still. The bike has been fully reunited with the authentic tools of the poor shoemaker who rode by bike in the 30’s to his clientele.
This unique bicycle with its original tools and bicycle insurance plate as witnesses of a bygone era, is not only a glimpse of the past, but also a cultural heritage that reflects the prosperity but also the poverty of the shoe and leather industry in Waalwijk, Brabant.
A time machine on two wheels telling the story of artisans who, despite their modest wages, left their mark on history with pride and skill.
This bike is part of the Foundation Jan Pulles.