Thursday, October 7, 2021

Unidentified veteran combination

Update 10/10/21 - Big thanks to Nick Smith for identifying the bike as a Humber 3.5hp of between 1909 and 1911.

A challenge for the veteran experts out there. I've personally completely failed to id this combo, best I can say is that it probably dates from 1912-1914. All images on this site are scanned to 600dpi so as a tip right click the image, open in a new tab and click on the image to enlarge. If you can put a positive id on the bike please do get in touch by mail or comment to share your knowledge.


8 comments:

  1. Looks to me like a 1919 Royal Enfield. I am guessing the 180 V twin?

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    1. Hi Mike, at first I though Royal Enfield as the tank is very similar but the forks are different.

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    2. Sandy over on his YT channel "Wiltshire Man" as a couple videos that may be of interest on a 1919 RE.
      https://youtu.be/hIMJq2wvmes
      Page back on his channel for a couple more.

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    3. Just checked it out. Nice channel, hadn't encountered it before. Thanks

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    4. Been subscribed to his channel for a few years. He does a bit of everything. Some motorcycling, some hiking, some para-glider flying, shortwave radio.

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  2. Clearest photo ever of a rear-view mirror on a vintage motorcycle. Soldier's cap badge might be Royal Army Service Corps (transport) raising the possibility that the motorcycle was gov't issue? Is that an elaborate bulb horn on the bars in front of the passenger? It doesn't look very military.

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    1. ...the cap badge changed in 1918 when "Royal" was added to the name of the ASC. Prior to that the badge contained in the intertwined initials ASC at center. Afterwards, the center housed the initials of the king. I think this may be the earlier badge, shown here. The later version is shown here.

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    2. Hi David, As far as I know in the British Army there were no govt issue motorcycles until after WW1 had begun. At the beginning of the war Despatch Rider volunteers had to turn up with their own bikes.
      I'm guessing that the bike was civilian and the chap in the uniform was visiting proud family, hence the snap. I know nothing about uniforms though but I am sure id of the uniform tells a lot more of the story. Good spot re the cap badge.
      And yes that is a very curly horn on the handlebars!

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