An advert from 1898.

The leading lines at the time were the accurately named Gent's and Lady's "Popular" machines. Sales were good and the confident company predicted sales of up to 10,000 machines for the next season.

The 1898 Star catalogue. Courtesy of David Evans.

The following is from the Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Illustrated, 1898:

The Star Cycle Company Limited, Wolverhampton

The Exterior of the Stewart Street Works.

It would appear to the observant critic that the limits in cycle construction had reached their final stage, with the admirable models introduced by this Company in the season just closed, but that this deduction is premature may be inferred from the fact that the " Star" machines for 1899 give promise of further innovation, if only in minor details, which will add to their efficiency and splendid riding qualities.

The Star Cycle Company is the oldest aspirant for popular favour, having been established as far back as 1885 by Mr. Lisle, who, since its incorporation some time subsequently, has occupied the position of Managing Director. The Company's Works, the largest of the kind in Wolverhampton, cover an area of between two and three acres of ground, in which are erected the commodious and well-designed buildings, lofty, light, and conveniently arranged for the operations of so extensive a manufacturing business as that in progress at the establishment. The premises have a lengthy frontage to the main thoroughfare, this portion being of two-storey elevation, and occupied as stores, timekeeper's office, packing and despatch department in the ground level, while above this are the well-appointed general and private offices. The whole of the manufacturing departments are housed in suitable buildings, and are completely equipped with the most up-to-date plant, machinery, and tools, and labour-saving appliances, specially designed as aids to in the various mechanical departments through which the modern cycle passes, from the initial to the final stage of construction. The extent of the premises and business may be readily imagined by the fact that 29,000 cycles have been manufactured, sold, and delivered within the last 3 years.

The Frame Building Department.

On the opposite side of the road is a separate factory for the production of Star Motor Cars and Motor Tricycles, and which equally, with its neighbour, is furnished with the most improved type of machinery, much of which is automatic in action.

In this connection it should be stated that, unlike the majority of cycle manufacturers, the Star Company make all component parts, and are thus enabled to assure the absolute reliability of these essentials, both in quality of material and perfect accuracy of construction and adjustments. These details of construction have been by no means unimportant factors in the success achieved by the firm's make of " Star" machines, in which are invariably embodied all the practical improvements which the widely-extended experience of the managers has suggested as beneficial to the wheeling public, and which has gained for these perfect models an assured favouritism with the patrons of the most popular form of pastime the history of the world has known.

The Machinery Department.

The "Star Road Racer" is essentially a high-grade machine at a reasonable price, and has many noteworthy features of excellence incorporated. It is specially adapted to meet the requirements of speed men, and, although it is built for the road, it is sufficiently light for use upon the track. The "Star Light Roadster" is constructed on the same high-class lines as the Road Racer, but fitted with every consideration for the wear, tear, and comfort of every-day riders, who not only cycle the summer through but battle the winter storms. In the " Popular" machines, a designation peculiarly appropriate to these mounts, are presented the Company's leading lines, of which some thousands have been supplied, and have gained a reputation unrivalled by any other make in the market. These machines have done more than any other to place perfect cycling within the reach of all.

The Assembling and Finishing Department.

Last season the Company introduced a special make of juvenile machine, suitable for boys and girls, from eight to fourteen years of age, with 22 in., 24 in., and 26 in. wheels. These cycles are perfect models in miniature, every part being constructed to the same scale as the taller ones.

A variety of designs are made in Ladies' cycles, from which the most fastidious will have little difficulty in making a choice. Single and double steering tandems are well thought-out designs, and .have met with the approval of a large section of those who adopt this method of locomotion.

Undoubtedly, the " Star " cycles, as regards finish, lasting qualities, ease of running and graceful position, have approached the nearest to perfection ; and the constantly-increasing demand proves they have become first favourites amongst a large section of the cycling public.

This firm supplies a highly-artistically illustrated price list, which gives full information respecting the various mounts, and also some very useful information to intending buyers and riders, forming a most acceptable contribution to the literature of the wheel, and at the same time some valuable particulars in the selection and the preservation of one's favourite mount. The outer cover shows a picturesque landscape, in the centre of which is seen a dainty damsel who easily carries her "Star" cycle whilst crossing the stream by the aid of stepping stones, with the words "Light, Graceful, and Strong," which are equally applicable to all the cycles produced by this house. We may add that the picture, reproduced in gold frame, may be seen in almost every station in Great Britain.