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Click here to subscribeA rare presentation silver rowing megaphone, by William Comyns, London 1913, tapering conical form, inscribed 'M.H.T in Gratitude 1952-1957 from Ingrams Hall', height 15cm, approx. weight 5.8oz.This was presented to Michael Tupper, who taught at Shrewsbury School from 1948-1979, He was the rowing coach and also a tutor at Ingrams Hall, one of the Boarding Houses.
A Second War I.D.S.M. awarded to Sepoy Man Singh, 1-1st Punjab Regiment, Indian Army Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (18781 Sep. Man Singh, 1-1 Punjab R.) good very fine £600-£800 --- Provenance: Buckland, Dix & Wood, October 1993. I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20 April 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’. The original Recommendation for an Immediate award for Bunker Hill, Arakan, states: 'At Ahkaungbaukywa, Arakan, on the 25th January 1944 he showed the greatest courage and determination. In the assault he was in the fore and personally killed two of the enemy. When his V.C.O. was wounded he caused his evacuation. His platoon captured a bunker. He assisted in the consolidation, killing two more Japanese. One of his duties was to carry his Company Commander’s megaphone. When available he used it himself to shout diversion to the enemy and cheers to his comrades. His Company Commander likened him to a fox-terrier. All day he was dashing about, ferreting our Japs, firing an L.M.G. and throwing grenades.'
A nicely restored BSA C15.Introduced in the late 1950s as a lightweight machine tapping into the lucrative commuter marketThe 250cc C15 was learner-legal up until 1983In production in various forms up until 1967 when it was replaced by the B25 StarfireThis restored example is described as in good running order and showing 2,049 recorded milesFitted with a reverse-cone megaphone exhaust but comes complete with its original systemBenefitting from a recent serviceUK-registered on a current V5CSpecificationMake: BSAModel: C15Year: 1961Registration Number: TVS 787Engine Number: 28459Click here for more details and images
FELLINI FEDERICO: (1920-1993) Italian film director. Signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph of Fellini standing in a full-length pose, holding a megaphone, alongside other crew members, a camera and other film equipment, during the direction of a scene of the Italian erotic historical romance film Fellini's Casanova (1976) in the Cinecitta Studios in Rome. Signed by Fellini in bold black ink to the image and dated Rome, 1986 in his hand. VG
DRAGONFLY - S?T LP (US STEREO OG - US PSYCH - MEGAPHONE MS-1202). A superb, original US stereo pressing of Texas heavy psych group Dragonfly's self-titled LP (MS-1202, 1968 US stereo pressing on Megaphone Records. Deep-groove labels with the added credits for track A4 "Popcorn/Cord/Waljo Music (BMI)" - both labels are bright and clean. MS 33121 H/ 21 H matrix. The record is bright and glossy, each side displays a number of hairline paper marks, nothing feelable. Nice VG+ condition. The gatefold sleeve has some edge storage wear, a small tear at the bottom of the rear, a name written on the cover and inside of the sleeve and the bottom right corner of the cover has some light creasing. Strong VG condition).
1979 Laverda 500cc Montjuic Mark 1Registration no. KAW 174VFrame no. LAV.500*1731*Engine no. *1731*•Purchased as a 'basket case' in 2019•Restored condition•Extensively paraded•Signed by the late Phil ReadIn 1978 a Laverda Formula 500 racer was imported by the UK Laverda concessionaire, Roger Slater, the man largely responsible for the Jota, who believed that a 'civilised' café racer had greater sales potential than the rather lacklustre and expensive Alpino from which the Formula 500 had been derived. Slater retained the stock Alpino fuel tank but equipped his new baby with a bikini fairing and solo racing seat manufactured in the UK by Screen & Plastics. Finished in 'Jota Orange', the new model was named 'Montjuic' in honour of Laverda's race victories at the eponymous Spanish circuit, while a loud, matt black, megaphone exhaust system further enhanced the racing connection. Focused on performance to the exclusion of almost everything else, the Montjuic was defiantly 'hard core' at a time when motorcycles were becoming ever more refined. No wonder it was so popular.The early Mk 1 example is one of the first batch of 200 into the UK and the example offered here was purchased in 2019 in bits as a 'basket case' (purchase receipt on file). However, most of the engine parts were there and even a few spares. The engine has been completely rebuilt with a rebore, high-compression pistons, and all new bearing, seals, etc and a new cam chain fitted, while the tricky job of setting valve clearances was done several times before satisfaction. The twin-cam 8-valve engine also features re-profiled cams and new Elektronik Sachse ignition. The original alloy wheels were professionally refurbished, fitted with new bearings, and shod with race compound Continental tyres. The original 254mm front discs were replaced with 260mm Brembo units and twin-pot Brembo calipers, while the rear brake is the standard 254mm disc but using a new Brembo caliper, all with stainless steel lines.The petrol tank was repainted and painted in the original Laverda Orange together with the side panels, new custom seat, and new faring. The Marzocchi forks were totally overhauled and all new seals and new headstock bearings. New footrest mounts and brackets were made by hand, as was the exhaust system, which features removable baffles for racing. The Montjuic has been paraded at various classic events at Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Mallory Park, Castle Combe, and Darley Moor. The late Phil Read signed the seat tail at the Bristol Classic Bike Show in 2021. The machine also comes with DVLA correspondence, Laverda IOC dating letter, CRMC Registration Certificate, and a V5C.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1971 Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun'Registration no. HGU 817JFrame no. DM450M3*700910Engine no. DM450 457611• Delivered new to South Africa•Single family ownership from new•UK registered since 2015Superseding the Mark 3, Ducati introduced a new range of Desmo singles in 1971. One of Ducati's most memorable series of sports roadsters, these new 250/350/450 Desmos soon acquired the sobriquet 'Silver Shotgun', a reference to their eye-catching silver metallic paintwork. Standard equipment included Marzocchi front forks, Borrani alloy wheel rims, a Grimeca four-leading-shoe front brake, rear-set footrests, clip-on handlebars, and a white-faced Veglia rev counter. The fuel tank, seat base, side panels, and front mudguard were made of lightweight glassfibre. For 1973, the Desmo range was mildly restyled by Italjet's Leopoldo Tartarini (also responsible for the 750 Sport), the colour scheme changing from silver/black to yellow/black at the same time. Production effectively ended in 1974, though a tiny handful was produced in 1978. The example offered here is one of the early silver models, which many enthusiasts prefer. Produced at a time when both the British and United States distributors were in dispute with the Ducati factory, they are an extremely rare sight in those countries. This Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun' was bought new by the vendor's late father circa 1973 having been standing unsold for a couple of years alongside a 250 Desmo (which he purchased also). He wasted no time in painting it red and fitting a megaphone, as can be seen from the photograph taken in 1974 alongside the 250, which got the same treatment later. The father was a founding member of the South African Motorcycle Club and owned many bikes (see obituary article on file). The Desmo was entered in Classic races in the late 1990s with a different tank and seat fitted (the engine may have been tuned with other cams installed).After the vendor received the Ducati he gave it a light restoration and repaint, and registered it in the UK in 2015, passing the MoT with no problems. The machine has only been used once since then. It was started recently and is said to be running very well. Nevertheless, an oil change and recommissioning is advised before further use. This 450 comes with a new silencer and downpipe, the original silver tank, plus reproduction panels, seat, and mudguard to restore it to the original colour. Alternative cams and a few other spares are included in the sale. Accompanying documents consist of a dating certificate, MoT (2015-2016) and a V5C.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
The Dave Degensc.1955 AJS 7R/Matchless G45 498cc Racing MotorcycleFrame no. 1673Engine no. G/45 163•Built by Dave Degens using all original parts•Raced by Dave at the Goodwood Revival in 2008•Requires re-commissioningThe prototype of what would become the G45 first appeared at the '51 Manx Grand Prix ridden by Robin Sherry, eventually finishing 4th after a promising debut. In fact, the G45 was not an entirely new design but essentially a hybrid comprised of AJS 7R-based cycle parts and a tuned Matchless G9 roadster engine. The engine's bottom-end remained more-or-less stock G9 but above the crankcase there was a new aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. Fuel was supplied by a single Amal TT carburettor and exhausted via short, megaphone-ended pipes. In 1952 the prototype G45 garnered much valuable publicity, and not a little controversy, when Derek Farrant - later an AJS works rider - won the Senior Manx Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Strictly speaking, a works prototype had no business running in an event for amateurs riding over-the-counter machines, but AMC quickly announced that a production G45 would be available for 1953. Although still based on that of the G9, the production version's engine incorporated a different camshaft, which opened the valves via roller-ended followers, and breathed via a pair of Amal GP carburettors mounted either side of a central float chamber. Claimed power output was 48bhp at 7,200rpm, increasing on later models to 54bhp at 7,400 revs. Apart from revised valve gear and the eventual adoption of a forged crankshaft, the G45 changed little over the course of its life. Production ceased in 1957 after around 80 machines had been built, of which approximately half are believed to survive worldwide today. Before then, the works team's best result at international level with the G45 had been Rod Coleman's 2nd place in the 1954 Ulster Grand Prix.Built using all original parts, the machine we offer is very similar to the Matchless G45 that Dave Degens raced in the 1960s. It was built using an original AJS 7R purchased at Bonhams' Stafford sale and an original G45 engine. The latter features Amal GP carburettors; lightweight valves; new big-ends and con-rods; and an upgraded oil pump and feed. The G45 was ridden by Dave at the Goodwood Revival in 2008 where he diced with Chas Mortimer on a 500 Manx Norton. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Included in the sale is the original AJS 7R engine ('7R/1673') and some spares. It is hoped that supporting documentation will be available at time of sale. Key not required.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1979 Laverda 497cc Montjuic Mk1Registration no. XJG 466VFrame no. LAV500*2677Engine no. 2677• Imported by Slater Brothers• Present ownership for 17 years• Used sparingly• Recently recommissioned In 1978 a Laverda Formula 500 racer was imported by the UK Laverda concessionaire, Roger Slater, the man largely responsible for the Jota, who believed that a 'civilised' café racer had greater sales potential than the rather lacklustre and expensive Alpino from which the Formula 500 had been derived. Slater retained the stock Alpino fuel tank but equipped his new baby with a bikini fairing and solo racing seat, manufactured in the UK by Screen & Plastics. Finished in 'Jota Orange', the new model was named 'Montjuic' in honour of Laverda's race victories at the eponymous Spanish circuit, while a loud, matt black, megaphone exhaust system further enhanced the racing connection. Focused on performance to the exclusion of almost everything else, the Montjuic was defiantly 'hard core' at a time when motorcycles were becoming ever more refined. No wonder it was so popular. This Montjuic was acquired in 2006 by the current vendor but has seen only limited use as he has been working abroad. The machine comes with a letter from former importers Slater Laverda confirming that '2677' was imported on 19th July 1979 on Moto Laverda's consignment note '591', allocated to Geoff Daryn based in Sandwich Bay, Kent, who sold and registered it as 'XJG 466V' on 4th August 1979. The vendor had the bodywork professionally resprayed in 2007. Shortly after that the late Mike Waugh (of marque specialists Montydons) did some work on this Montjuic and took it for a road test. We are advised that he was very complimentary about the machine stating that it was also quick. The Montjuic has been taken to Mallory Park for the 'Festival of 1,000 Bikes' on a number of occasions (tags still attached) and was recommissioned by Andy Bartlett in time for the 2022 Festival, most of the work being carried out during September and October 2021 (list of works on file). Additional documentation includes numerous invoices; a quantity of old MoTs and tax discs; and copy of old and current V5Cs. Keys present.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Corgi - a boxed pair of Eddie Stobart Battery Operated Play Sets comprising of (1) a Maximum Security Base which comes complete with battery operated walkie talkie style megaphone and other accessories and appears to be Near Mint to Mint in Good to Good Plus outer pictorial box along with (2) a Heli Freight Base which comes with a Helipad which converts into a torch and other accessories with contents appearing to be Near Mint to Mint in Good to Good Plus outer pictorial box. Please note these have not been tested or checked for completeness but are ex shop stock. (2)
Well presented, low-mileage 850 Commando tourer from recent dry-storage.One of six available versions of the 750 Commando, the Interstate was developed for long-distance touringThe Commando pioneered a new and remarkably efficient anti-vibration system, known as 'Isolastic' This is a matching numbers UK bike showing 19,762 miles and is currently runningPresented as an older restoration and would benefit from a light recommissioning All chrome work and stainless steel parts have been stored with a protective wax so it would benefit from a polish to get it show-readyDown-swept pipes and full-flow reversed cone megaphone exhausts. Original Dunlop wheels10.7-inch front single disc and cable-operated rear drum brake. The Roadholder front forks appear to operate wellFinished in the classic Norton Motors Black and Gold colour scheme synonymous with their bikes from this eraSpecificationMake: NORTONModel: 850 COMMANDOYear: 1974Registration Number: LNV 282MEngine Number: 317409Click here for more details and images
Two Sonor-Type Pocket Ear Trumpets, French, c.1900-1920, one in purse-type leather case with trademark in gilt, brass grille and extending earpiece, 16cm extended; one stamped 'LE MEGAPHONE MADE IN FRANCE', in silver plate and imitation tortoiseshell, with original case and instructions, case 10cm
William Kentridge (born 1955)Colonial Landscape - Waterfall, 1995-1996 signed 'KENTRIDGE' (lower right)charcoal and pastel on paper 122 x 160cm (48 1/16 x 63in).Footnotes:ProvenanceGoodman Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa;Private Collection, London;Acquired from the above by the current owner.ExhibitedRome, Cittá/ Natura: mostra internazionale di Arte Contemporanea' , 21 April - 23 June, 1997.LiteratureCarolyn Christov-Bakargiev, William Kentridge, (Brussels: Société des Expositions du Palais des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles, 1998), p. 182 (illustrated)William Kentridge, 1997, CD-ROM, (Johannesburg: David Krut Publishing, reproduced along with various images of drawings and graphics)The present lot is one of several drawings created by William Kentridge between 1995-1996 for his Colonial Landscape series. The series came after the theatre production, Faustus in Africa (1994), where Kentridge looked at depictions of Southern African landscapes in the era of colonisation. For example, the 1891 publication Africa and Its Exploration: As Told by its Explorers by Mungo Park, David Livingstone and others featured several engravings of idealistic scenes in Southern Africa. The engravings were produced and translated by professional engravers in London and were also reproduced in The Illustrated London News. The studies of Victoria Falls by Thomas Baines (1820-1875) are arguably comparable to Kentridge's Waterfalls from his Colonial Landscape series. In the early 1860s Baines produced a handful of sketches and oil paintings from his expedition along the Zambezi to Victoria Falls. These images were romanticised and idealistic visions of the Southern African landscape, that can be argued as often disguising the exploitative nature and brutality behind colonial rule.The imagery referred to here has undergone manifold technical steps in its production from sketch to engraving, all under the colonial, romanticised gaze encompassed by its creators. Parallel to this, the images circulated in Great Britain but were also redistributed back to Southern Africa. Kentridge has admitted to being fascinated with this geographic migration of colonial imagery, stating 'I was interested partly in the translations, the temporal and geographic dislocations that happen...'. Thus, the Colonial Landscape series became much more than a simple critique of colonialism. The works in this series were all created on high-quality, handmade Korean paper with deckled edges at the upper and lower margins. It's rare to find a part of the paper that hasn't been worked in with charcoal, which typifies the dense style that bleeds across the entire sheet and masterfully utilises the qualities of the charcoal, including the smudging and erasure that are evident so often in his work.'But if there hadn't been that first almost sensual pleasure in what it is to be working with that charcoal dust, that you can put into the spew of a waterfall, and the way lines in an engraving or in a drawing are like the lines of the sediment of a rock, and the way the rock meets the idea of a drawing or a graphic mark halfway, and the way the erasure works and a lot of other things – and, yes, obviously it relates to colonial images of Africa, but it's also a treat. A form in which I could let myself draw the beautiful, big landscapes, rather than the bleak, flat Highveld landscape.'Within this landscape Kentridge includes a large, red circle with associated red marks which dominate the page and forces the viewers gaze inwards. 'The new red marks are both beacons erected in the landscape and the surveyor's theodolite markings of the image in the viewfinder'. Kentridge has even stated that these red marks are 'bruising on the landscape', conjuring notions of conflict within a sublime landscape. Kentridge also puts his own stamp on the landscape by using motifs that he repeats throughout his oeuvre such as a megaphone and pylon that are all visible on the horizon. BibliographyMargaret K. Koerner, William Kentridge: Smoke, Ashes, Fable (Brussels: Mercatorfonds, 2017) p.44Lilian Tone, Kate McCrickard and William Kentridge, William Kentridge: Fortuna , (London: Thames and Hudson, 2013), p.92Kate McCrickard, William Kentridge: WK, (London: Tate Publishing, 2012), pp. 22-23This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
William Kentridge (born 1955)Man with Megaphone, 1998 signed and numbered 31/70 in penciletching and aquatint in colours35 x 50cm (13 3/4 x 19 11/16in).printed by Malcolm Christian, The Caversham Press, with their blindstamp, published by the artist and Kunstverein, MunichFootnotes:LiteratureDan Cameron, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, J.M. Coetzee, William Kentridge (London and New York: Phaidon Press Limited, 1999) p.97Judith B. Hecker and William Kentridge, William Kentridge – Trace – Prints from the Museum of Modern Art (Verona: Trifolio SRL, 2010) p.50William Kentridge, William Kentridge: Prints (Johannesburg: David Krut Publishing, 2006) p. 70Kate McCrickard, William Kentridge: WK (London: Tate Publishing, 2012), p.96This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ARAR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
William Kentridge (born 1955)Man with Megaphone Cluster, 1998 signed and numbered 31/70 in penciletching and aquatint in colours35 x 50cm (13 3/4 x 19 11/16in).printed by Malcolm Christian, The Caversham Press, with their blindstamp, published by the artist and Kunstverein, MunichFootnotes:LiteratureDan Cameron, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, J.M. Coetzee, Kentridge (London and New York: Phaidon Press Limited, 1999) p.97Judith B. Hecker and William Kentridge, William Kentridge – Trace – Prints from the Museum of Modern Art (Verona: Trifolio SRL, 2010) p.50William Kentridge, William Kentridge: Prints (Johannesburg: David Krut Publishing, 2006) p. 71This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ARAR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1971 BSA 654cc A65 FirebirdRegistration no. AVV 338JFrame no. A65FS HE12277Engine no. A65FS/HE12277This machine is a 1971 'oil-in-frame' BSA A65 Firebird with matching frame and engine numbers originally supplied to BSA Incorporated in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It was re-imported to the UK in the late 1990s by well-known A65 specialist, the late David Jenner and sold to the current owner in 2010. Following the same high standards of restoration as David Jenner, this bike has been fully restored and is presented in beautiful condition throughout (details and specification with documents). The BSA has been refinished in a distinctive bright yellow and black combination, including black wheel hubs and brake plates, and a pair of non-standard matte black megaphone-style silencers and exhaust pipes to suit the style of the machine.The engine, like the rest of the motorcycle, is fully reconditioned with all worn parts replaced or refurbished. The timing-side crankshaft bearing is minus 0.010', the crankshaft journals minus 0.020' and the cylinders with new pistons are bored to plus 0.020'. Of course, following the rebuild the usual running-in process will be required before using the machine's performance to the full. (Fewer than 10 miles have been covered since the restoration.) Accompanying documentation includes a V5C Registration Certificate; a NOVA certificate; a BSA Owners' Club Dating Certificate and Vehicle Report; and a fresh MoT. Offered with keyFootnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1976 HONDA CAFE RACER Registration Number: RLC 360R Frame Number: CJ 250T - 2006459 Recorded Mileage: c. 387 miles - Super custom bike, built to a high standard This unique Honda was built as a homage to cafe racers of the 1950s and 1960s. Using a Honda CJ250 as a donor, the bike was stripped, lightened, the frame powder-coated, and the motor rebuilt and mildly tuned. The wheels were reassembled using stainless/power coated rims with new tyres. A racing-style fuel tank was mounted on the frame with seat, flanked by twin exhausts which were finished with Megaphone silencers. Finally the bike was rewired with a new loom. This well thought out Honda has been lovingly built to exacting standards with a number of neat details such as clip on handlebars from machined solid aluminium. We understand the bike runs very well and sounds great, ready to hit the road and turn a few heads! The Cafe Racer will be supplied on a UK V5C.
Rare CB92 with optional 'Racing Kit' and in Show condition. Introduced late 1959, the CB92 was the first Honda to bear the 'CB' prefix Seriously advanced for the year with a twin 124cc OHC with electric start and 4-speed gearbox This example is fitted with the "Racing Kit" - rev counter, race seat, megaphone exhaust and sporty bars (race cam not fitted) Presented in mostly restored condition and showing 1,400 recorded miles Used as a display bike and featured on many Stafford Show club stands Same owner for almost 10 years and UK-registered on a current V5C Not used much so will need some recommissioning before extensive road use Rare sporty little Honda that's great to look at and even better to ride SpecificationMake: HONDAModel: CB92 BENLY SUPER SPORTYear: 1962Registration Number: 949 YUREngine Number: CB92E 70000338Click here for more details and images
Estate of Jeremy Bulloch - Star Wars - Disney - a unique original Disney's Hollywood Studios ' Star Wars Weekends ' award trophy presented to Bulloch in 2010. Plaque to front reads ' From Chris, Jessica & Al to Jeremy Bulloch - Star Wars Weekends 6-13-10'. Features a large resin bust of Disney's classic Mickey Mouse with a film director's megaphone atop a film reel. Unique piece of Star Wars memorabilia issued from Disney, to Bulloch. Measures 24cm tall.
The ex-Cecil Sandford 1946 Velocette 248cc MOV Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. FNX 255Frame no. 3142Engine no. 6162•Unique British 250-class racer•Built by Arthur Taylor•Isle of Man TT competitor (1949)•Restored in 1999•Present ownership since 2010The machine offered here is one of the most successful of the many 'home brewed' British 250 specials that featured on the domestic racing scene in the 1940s and 1950s. A 1946 Velocette MOV, 'FNX 255' was owned and prepared by Shipston-on Stour Velocette agent, Arthur Taylor, competing at first in trials and scrambles events before being converted for road racing. Its rider was a young Cecil Sandford, Taylor's protégé and later his son-in-law, who would go on to become the 125cc World Champion for MV Agusta in 1952 and take the 1957 250 World title while riding for Mondial. He retired from racing when Mondial pulled out at the end of the '57 season and later took over the management of his father-in-law's motor business, A R Taylor Garages Ltd. After its conversion for road racing, the Taylor MOV was ridden in the Isle of Man Lightweight TT in 1949 by L R Higgins, who recounted the story in an article published in The Motor Cycle on 8th September 1949 (copy available). The little Velo had been prepared in Taylor's workshop by his chief mechanic, Ted Clark, under the supervision of Bob Burgess, formerly with Veloce Ltd. Remarkably, the cycle parts were left virtually standard apart from swapping the original girder fork for Dowty telescopics, most of the development work being concentrated on extracting more power from the pushrod engine. To this end the latter was equipped with a Wellworthy Alfin alloy cylinder barrel, an aluminium bronze head incorporating modified ports and valves, a Martlet high-compression piston and a larger-than-standard carburettor. After bench testing and fine tuning, the motor's maximum power had been raised to 20bhp on a 50/50 petrol/benzole mixture with 18-19 horsepower anticipated on 'Pool' petrol. 'This figure compared poorly with the power output of the Guzzis,' Higgins conceded, 'but was probably better than a great many of our British contemporaries.' Over on the Island the gear ratios were made closer, bottom gear being raised, and the little Velo set off on its first practice laps. On three successive mornings the MOV stopped with valve gear problems, leading to a rethink which saw the engine slightly de-tuned for the race in the interests of reliability. By the end of the week the Taylor Velocette had completed two non-stop trouble-free practice laps, although its top speed had been reduced from 92 to 85mph. In the race itself Higgins was enjoying a dice with the slightly faster New Imperial ridden by Reg Petty, only to slide off at Keppel Gate on the first lap. The Velo's Dowty forks were twisted in the crash making it impossible to continue. In his book, British 250cc Racing Motorcycles, Chris Pereira recounts that later developments included a post-war MAC alloy head modified to take hairpin valve springs, a megaphone exhaust system and an Amal TT carburettor. Despite its humble origins, the Taylor MOV was successfully transformed into a highly capable performer, especially on the shorter, tighter tracks. With Cecil Sandford riding it continued to win well into the 1950s, laying the foundations for his later success at international level. On occasions the MOV would get the better of pukka racing machines. Pereira quotes Sandford on a particular instance: 'I was due to ride one of the new Velocette works double overhead cam 250s at the Thruxton International meeting in August 1951. Arthur and I had taken the MOV with us just in case. It was a pretty awful wet day, which made me realise that the works bike, with its narrow power band, would prove tricky to ride in the prevailing conditions. I therefore made the decision to ride the MOV instead. This did not please team manager Bertie Goodman. My decision proved to be correct, and I won the race fairly easily on the MOV, with my team mates Bob Foster and Bill Lomas second and third on the works bikes.'The current vendor purchased the ex-Sandford MOV at Bonhams' Stafford sale in April 2010 (Lot 373). Restored in 1999 and presented in generally good condition, 'FNX 255' is offered with a comprehensive history file containing correspondence, photographs, press cuttings, and its original logbook listing A R Taylor Garages as the sole owner (inspection recommended). A rare opportunity to acquire a unique British racing '250' associated with one of this country's greatest World Champions. Offered without keyFootnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to biddingFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
‘I could not, I feel it, be useful either to the art to which I have dedicated my life, or to myself...’ TCHAIKOVSKY PIOTR ILLICH: (1840-1893) Russian Composer. A very fine A.L.S., `P. Tchaikovsky´, two pages, 4to, San Remo, 1st/13th January 1878, to a high representative of the 1878 “Exposition Universelle” in Paris, in French. Tchaikovsky responds to his correspondent´s proposal which was intending to appoint him as Delegate of the Russian musical art in Paris during the exhibition, stating in part `Je prends encore la plume pour vous prier de vouloir bien croire aux regrets sinceres que j´éprouve en refusant l´honneur de la Délégation au Comité de l´Exposition. Ce sont bien des raisons majeures que celles qui me forcent de renoncer au Plaisir et a l´honneur de representer l´art musical russe a Paris´ (“I take up my pen again to ask you to believe in the sincere regrets I feel in refusing the honour of the Delegation to the Exhibition Committee. These are many major reasons that force me to renounce to the pleasure and the honour of representing the Russian musical art in Paris”) Tchaikovsky explains how important Paris has always been for him, saying `…il peut vous attester que mon voeu le plus cher était toujours celui de me faire connaitre au monde musical Parisien, et certes l´occasion était bonne´ (“…he can attest to you that my dearest wish has always been to make myself known to the Parisian musical world, and certainly the occasion was good”) Tchaikovsky further refers to the reasons which oblige him to refuse, to his health, and expresses on a very important statement what his life commitment is, stating in part `…malade comme je le suis, ayant a lutter contre un mal auquel l´isolement et un repos complet peuvent seuls porter remède, je ne pourrais, je le sens bien, être utile ni à l´art auquel j´ai voué ma vie, ni à moi même, si j´acceptais enc e moment une tâche qui est au-dessus de mes forces´ (“…sick as I am, having to struggle against an illness to which only isolation and complete rest can remedy, I could not, I feel it, be useful either to the art to which I have dedicated my life, or to myself, if I accepted at this moment a task that is beyond my strength”) Further again Tchaikovsky responds to his correspondent´s question regarding another Russian candidate, explaining that this Russian artist is totally unknown in Russia, and suggests that `Le futur délégué russe doit être désigné par les sommités musicales russes résidant soit à Petersbourg, soit à Moscou. Autrement on pourrait bien tomber sur quelqu´un qui chercherait cette nomination seulement dans le but de jouir de la rétribution que le Ministre des Finances a fixé pour le délégué musical, et non dans celui de servir en mesure de ses forces à la propagation de l´art musical russe à l´étranger´ (“The future Russian delegate must be designated by Russian musical eminent renowned personalities residing either in Petersburg or in Moscow. Otherwise we could well find someone who would seek this appointment only in order to enjoy the remuneration that the Minister of Finance has fixed for the musical delegate, and not in that of serving with all his knowledge and strength for the propagation of the Russian musical art abroad”) A letter of very interesting content. With blank integral leaf. Loosely housed within in a folio burgundy Morocco leather folder with a gilt stamped quotation taken from the letter to the front cover, six raised bands and gilt title to spine. Small overall minor age toning with foxing stains. VG From 1st May to 10th November 1878 Paris held the World´s Fair, called “Exposition Universelle”. The Palais du Trocadero was built for this occasion. During the exhibition the completed head of the Statue of Liberty was showcased, and Thomas Edison displayed a megaphone and a phonograph. On the musical side, Henry E. Stenway exhibited a Grand Piano which attracted extraordinary attention.Tchaikovsky was feeling exhausted in January 1878, date of the present later. The last six months had been extremely stressing and musically important for the composer, having married and divorced Antonina Miliukova in such short period, a marriage which was a disaster, psychologically and emotionally, pushing him to try to commit suicide, but failing when he walked into the freezing Moskova river. During this same period Tchaikovsky had composed his only Violin Concerto, one of his masterpieces, and only few days before the present letter´s date he had completed the orchestration of his acclaimed Fourth Symphony. At the time of this letter and during the following weeks in Italy he completed the orchestration of his opera Eugene Oneguin.
Rare F2 Super Sport in need of some TLC. Ideal restoration project for the winter.Very early, UK-supplied F2 model from the 1st year of production736cc air-cooled, SOHC inline four offering 58bhp and 114mphFor 1977, the 2nd-generation Super Sport featured Comstar wheels and a restyled exhaust with a megaphone like silencerUK-registered from new with a current V5CPartially recommissioned. Engine rebuilt, new tyres, new chain and sprocketRunning (as filmed) but will need battery and carbs balancingFitted with electronic ignition.Timing cover (hopefully) found before the saleComplete with 4 into 1 exhaust, as picturedWill need completing before road use SpecificationMake: HONDAModel: CB750 F2 SUPER SPORTYear: 1977Registration Number: SRD610SEngine Number: CB750E 3061718Click here for more details and images
1953 Matchless 498cc G45 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. ESL 578Frame no. G45 129Engine no. G45 129• One of the most beautiful and desirable British racing motorcycles ever made• One of circa 80 made• Last run in 2020The prototype of what would become the G45 first appeared at the '51 Manx Grand Prix with Robin Sherry in the saddle, eventually finishing 4th after a promising debut. In fact the machine was not an entirely new design but essentially a hybrid comprised of AJS 7R-based cycle parts into which was installed a tuned Matchless G9 roadster engine. The engine's bottom-end remained more-or-less stock G9 and retained AMC's unique centre-bearing crankshaft, but above the crankcase there was a new aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head, the latter sporting distinctively finned exhaust rocker boxes. Fuel was supplied by a single Amal TT carburettor and exhausted via short, megaphone-ended pipes.In 1952 the prototype G45 garnered much valuable publicity and not a little controversy when Derek Farrant - later an AJS works rider on both Porcupine and 7R3 - won the Senior Manx Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Strictly speaking, a works prototype had no business running in an event for amateurs riding over-the-counter machines, but AMC quickly announced that a production G45 would be available for 1953.Apart from revised valve gear and the eventual adoption of a forged crankshaft, the G45 changed little over the course of its life and what developments there were did not keep pace with the opposition. At the end of the 1954 season, AMC announced a cutback in its racing programme, which meant the end for the Porcupine and the 7R3, though the G45 and 7R continued to be developed and raced. Production of the G45 ceased in 1957 after around 80 machines had been built, of which approximately half are believed to survive worldwide today. Before then, the works team's best result at international level with the G45 had been Rod Coleman's 2nd place in the 1954 Ulster Grand Prix.Previously road-registered in Austria, this rare Matchless G45 has been registered in the UK since 1999 (incorrectly) as '750cc' and '1956'. However, the vendor has uncovered the Reynolds Tube Company stamping on the frame indicating that it is in fact of 1953 manufacture. Len Haggis had brought the Matchless back to the UK in 1998/1999 having purchased it in Austria from collector Gerhard Tempel. The G45 had been delivered new from Matchless to an Austrian buyer and was actively campaigned on circuits throughout Europe, where the G45 was a popular mount in period (riders unknown).On repatriation, the Matchless was sold to a Mr Maslen of Horley, Surrey, who road registered the machine with the first MoT issued on 5th August 1999. At some point it was sold on to a Mr Searle of Loughton, Essex and later on was re-acquired by Mr Maslen. The current vendor, a prominent UK-based private collector and classic racer, purchased the machine from Verrall's of Handcross in 2010. The Matchless is now CRMCC registered (no.110454).The original magnesium front hub having cracked, a new front wheel has been built by Conway's using a new Molnar hub, brake, rim and spokes (the original wheel is included in the sale). Last campaigned at Cadwell Park in 2010 and briefly run in 2020, the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent before further use. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful and desirable British racing motorcycles ever made.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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