SPEED decal - Pre war SOMME Bicyclette -

Recently found at Temuka, NZ, a pre World War One French/ Francais SOMME Ladies bicycle or bicyclette. Originally supplied by L.S. Hopkins of Tancred Street, Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand. Decals all have this suppliers name on them prominently. Called the 'Somme Cycle Works' of Ashburton. There was fascination with war technology and speed at this time and humble bicycle opposed to walking constited going really fast and saving women time... 'speed' the concept....meant you were efficient in the Home or domestic sector with it's gendered divisons of labour...and labour saving consumer products.