A SWISS “TYPE MILITAIRE” BICYCLE, MODEL 240, BY STELLA (PIQUEREZ & Co. S.A.), BASSECOURT

Switzerland, circa mid‑1940s to 1950s. Lugged steel diamond frame enamelled black, leather‑covered spring saddle, full steel mudguards, rear carrier rack and tool pouch; front spoon brake and rear coaster (back‑pedal) brake, frame‑mounted pump, and the characteristic large triangular equipment case within the main frame triangle. The head tube retains the maker’s nickel badge “Cycles Stella – Picosa – Bassecourt”; the fork crown fitted with a painted metal number plate with Swiss shield and stamped numerals “11661.”

Made in the Jura town of Bassecourt by Stella (Piquerez & Co. S.A.), this bicycle corresponds to the firm’s Modèle No. 240, “Type Militaire,” a utilitarian service machine offered immediately after the Second World War with black enamel finish, 650 mm (26 × 1½) rims, prominent mudguards, front spoon brake and rear coaster hub, large saddle and leather luggage, and complete lighting and lock fittings. Stella’s own catalogue specifies these details and advertises the model explicitly as “La bicyclette utilitaire par excellence.”

Bicycles of this pattern are closely associated with the famed Swiss Ordonnanzfahrrad (Model 05) used by the bicycle infantry, which shared the single‑speed drivetrain, spoon/coaster braking combination, and frame‑fitted storage case, a hallmark of Swiss military machines. Production of the Model 05 ran from 1905 well into the late 20th century; examples were finished predominantly in black and carried numbered plates at the head, as seen here.

The headbadge on the present cycle documents manufacture by Stella in Bassecourt, a marque of Piquerez & Co. S.A. (telegraphic address PICOSA), active in bicycle manufacture from the interwar years through the post‑war period; period literature and archival notices situate the brand and its “Type Militaire” within that context.

The small Swiss Army bicycle plates evolved over the century; during the 20th century embossed metal plates showing the Swiss cross and numerals were affixed to military bicycles, a practice well documented by the Museum of Swiss Bicycle License Plates. The plate on this bicycle conforms to those military issues.

While the classic Ordonnanzrad 05 was supplied principally by Condor, Cosmos, Schwalbe, Zesar and others, Swiss manufacturers in the Jura, including Stella, marketed closely related “Type Militaire” machines to military users and the civilian market, often to identical or near‑identical specifications.

The present bicycle, retaining its Stella badge, Swiss military‑style plate and large frame case, is a well‑preserved example of this distinctive Swiss service bicycle tradition.

Condition: Wear consistent with honest service and age: paint with scattered chips and touch‑marks; plating dulled; triangular frame case with scuffs and surface cracking; leather accessories dry but present. The tires are deflated and cracked. The bicycle appears substantially complete with tool pouch, pump, rear carrier and number plate. Mechanicals not assessed; offered as a historical artifact.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.