Pierce-Arrow’s metamorphosis—from a producer of home goods including, famously, birdcages, in the years following the Civil War, to a bicycle-builder, to a manufacturer of some of the world’s finest automobiles—is a well-known, and well-loved, part of the marque’s legend. Somewhat more obscure is its foray into motorcycles, which lasted from only 1909 to 1914.

The Pierce Cycle Company was established as a two-wheeled subsidiary of the larger Pierce-Arrow concern in 1907, and it was led by Percy Pierce, son of Pierce-Arrow founder George Pierce. Its first production motorcycle arrived two years later and was clearly inspired by the Belgian-built, inline-four-powered FN motorcycle, the world’s first production machine of its kind.

In addition to the inline-four layout, Pierce borrowed the FN’s shaft drive, a feature also used on some Pierce bicycles. But it was not a direct copy: The Pierce’s 696-cubic-centimeter inline-four—America’s first production motorcycle four-cylinder engine—used a T-head valve configuration rather than the inlet-over-exhaust setup on the FN (and similar to the much larger T-head engines used on Pierce-Arrow automobiles). Initially, this was paired with single-speed gearing, with a second gear introduced later. For those who dared, 60 mph was attainable, with only a rear-wheel band brake to slow down.

Particularly interesting was the Pierce’s fuel tank, or lack thereof: Instead of a dedicated reservoir, the motorcycle’s frame was built of large-diameter tubing, which held both gasoline and lubricating oil in separate internal compartments. Control cables were also routed internally where possible, giving the bike a sleek, clean look and reducing the number of obstructions and distractions for the gentleman rider atop its sprung saddle.

Dubbed “The Vibrationless Motorcycle” on account of its smooth inline-four, the Pierce was clearly aimed at the refined clientele who purchased Pierce-Arrow automobiles, and it came with a $325, and later $400, price tag to match. Unfortunately, buyers did not materialize in quantity, and despite the introduction of a more affordable single-cylinder model, Pierce motorcycle production ceased in 1914. It is believed that approximately 500 bikes were completed in total, few of which survive.

This 1910 Four was acquired by Sam and Emily Mann from the renowned Los Angeles Times publisher Otis Chandler's collection following Chandler’s passing in 2006, in part as a way for Mr. Mann to memorialize his friend and fellow collector. Prior to that, it was owned by California motorcycle collector Richard Morris, and it had also reportedly been exhibited at the Petersen Museum. On static display within Sam and Emily Mann’s collection, it will require recommissioning, and the fitment of a new chain, prior to use.

A fascinating piece of mechanical design in its own right, this Four would be an excellent acquisition for a Pierce-Arrow collector—a Buffalo-built machine very different from the automobiles that wear the Pierce name, but one that embodied the same no-compromises approach to quality design and superior craftsmanship.