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Click here to subscribeVintage Loris Azzaro Silk Scarf Equestrian Print. A Rare And Beautiful Silk Scarf By Loris Azzaro Paris With The Equestrian Design In Wonderful Pinks, Blues, Gold And Champagne Colours. The Scarf Measures 35 Inches (89 Cm) Square Is Signed In Corner And Has Hand Rolled Edges. Condition: Very Good.
G.RANGERS AUTOGRAPHS 1963 Album page removed from vintage autograph book with the autographs of the Rangers players who were playing in the Friendly v Real Madrid We have been instructed by our vendor who’s Father was a prominent figure in Football during the 1950’s & 60’s to offer some extremely rare autographs all of which were gained personally. Our clients Father worked for many of the top European clubs in dealing with all their requirements when playing European games or Friendly tours. He was employed by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and many others.This unique autograph book gives a timeline of his work and the many friends he made during this time including some of the greatest footballers of this era.
CRICKET - 1957-58 M.C.C. TOUR FULLY AUTOGRAPHED BROCHURE / PROGRAMME Rare publication issued by the Kenya Kongonis Cricket Club that covered the M.C.C. tour in 1957-58. Autographed by all the M.C.C. players twice, once on the players photo's / pen pictures and then again on the autograph page. Slight age related wear to covers.
RARE OUT-OF-PRINT TOTTENHAM HOTPSUR BOOKS; Spurs “The Double” by Julian Holland First Edition 1961. Spurs by Julian Holland. The complete official story of THFC. First edition 1956 (hand written inscription inside cover Xmas 1956). Spurs Supreme by Ralph L. Finn (foreword by Bill Nicholson). First Edition 1961. Spurs Go Marching On (The European Triumph 1963). First Edition 1963. All 4 books in good condition, some dustjackets have age related wear’.
ASTON VILLA 1948-49 BOUND VOLUME - ALL PROGRAMMES INCLUDE COVERS Includes programmes for - 21 League games 20 Resrve games ( No programme seems to have been issued for the match v Leeds ) 3 FA Cup - Includes the Rare S/S v Bolton 2nd replay 1 Birmingham Combination v Hereford United 2 Other - England v Wales & Royal Navy v Army End of season summary
1906 THE BOOK OF FOOTBALL- A COMPLETE HISTORY AND RECORD One of the best early works on Football and Rugby, this is a lavishly illustrated history originally issued in weekly parts. Includes features of all the major clubs from that era, plus some facinating articles including a profile of the 1 year old Chelsea, Also includes a section on the famous All Blacks. Original green cloth with gilt engraving of the original FA Cup Trophy. Light spotting to front boards otherwise clean and bright, Unuusually, this book contains the original full colour original front covers of the weekly parts bound in at the rear. A very rare and highly collectable book
Deutsches Reich 1934 - MiNr. 529 Y - 539 Y **, Kat.-Wert: 5.400,-€ Postfrischer Prachtsatz, äußerst seltene Ausgabe. Dabei auch einige Seitenränder. Jede Marke bestgeprüft Schlegel. | German Reich 1934 - MiNr. 529 Y - 539 Y **, Cat. value: 5.400,-€. MNH splendor set, extremely rare issue. Besides, also some page margins. Each stamp best-inspected Schlegel.
Selten! PORSCHE Medaillen in Silber, Spezialetui darin 12 Kalendermedaillen mit Feinsilberpunzen am Rand. Je ca. 20 g fein. Erhaltungen verschieden, am besten ansehen.| Rare! PORSCHE medals in silver, special case containing 12 calendar medals with fine silver hallmarks on the edge. Each approx. 20 g fine. Conditions vary, best to look at.
Altdeutschland / Freie und Hansestadt Lübeck - 1859/67, Teilsammlung, mit ungebrauchten und gestempelten Ausgaben. Wir haben hier bewusst keinen Katalogwert errechnet, da speziell die gestempelten Ausgaben alle nicht signiert sind, Darunter z.B. eine Michel Nummer 2, welche echt gestempelt sehr selten ist. Wir übernehmen hier kein Obligo für die Authentizität jeder einzelnen Marke. Bitte urteilen Sie selbst!| Old Germany / Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck - 1859/67, partial collection with unused and used issues. We have intentionally not calculated a catalogue value here, as especially the used issues are all unsigned, including e.g. a Michel number 2, which is very rare genuinely used. We do not assume any liability for the authenticity of each stamp. Please decide for yourself!
Original vintage travel advertising poster for Igls, a Tyrolean village near Innsbruck, Austria. The village remains a popular skiing destination and drew international attention when Innsbruck was host city of the Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, and the natural and artificial luge competitions were held in Igls. Features a fly agaric/ fly amanita mushroom graphic, starting out of a cave into the landscape. Although classified as poisonous, reports of human deaths resulting from A. muscaria ingestion are extremely rare. Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a basidiomycete of the genus Amanita. The main alkaloids in Amanita muscaria are ibotenic acid and muscimol. Both have a psychoactive effect. All Amanita muscaria varieties, but in particular A. muscaria var. muscaria, are noted for their hallucinogenic properties, with the main psychoactive constituents being the neurotoxins ibotenic acid and muscimol. A local variety of the mushroom was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by the indigenous peoples of Siberia and by the Sami, and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on possible traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in other places such as the Middle East, Eurasia, North America, and Scandinavia. Printed by Tiroler Graphik Innsbruck. Good condition, tears, creasing, Country of issue: Austria, designer: Arthur Zelger , size (cm): 94x64, year of printing: 1950s.
Rare original vintage advertising poster issued during the Second World War in the Nazi occupied France for an arts exhibition organised by Mr. Serge Lifar and the Central Union of Decorative Arts Ballet and Dance in the Romantic Period 1800-1850 / Le Ballet et la Danse a l'Epoque Romantique held from January to April 1942 at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs Pavillon de Marsan, featuring an illustration of a lady in a ballet dress and shoes stood at the door with a bouquet of irises in a vase. Printed by Mourlot, Paris. Serge Lifar ( 1905 - 1986) was a Ukrainian ballet dancer and choreographer, famous as one of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century. Not only a dancer, Lifar was also a choreographer, director, writer, theoretician about dance, and collector. As ballet master of the Paris Opera from 1930 to 1944, and from 1947 to 1958, he devoted himself to the restoration of the technical level of the Paris Opera Ballet, returning it to its place as one of the best companies in the world. Fair condition, tears, creasing, staining, paper losses, pinholes, tape mark, ink stamp on bottom right corner. Country of issue: France, designer: Unknown, size (cm): 64x47, year of printing: 1942.
Rare large version of the original vintage sport poster for the XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo Japan from 3-13 February 1972 featuring a stylised illustration of a mountain set over blue background, with the Olympic rings, stylised snowflake, and a flag of Japan, bold blue lettering. The XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo Hokkaido Japan in 1972 was the first Winter Olympic Games held outside Europe and North America Very good condition, creasing. Country of issue: Japan, designer: Takashi Kono, size (cm): 103x74, year of printing: 1972.
Rare large version of the original vintage sport poster for the XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo Japan from 3-13 February 1972 featuring a skier jumping over a snowy slope at speed in front of a bright blue sky in the background, the bold black lettering and Olympic Rings logo below. The XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo Hokkaido Japan in 1972 was the first Winter Olympic Games held outside Europe and North America. Very good condition, creasing. Country of issue: Japan, designer: Yusaku Kamekuru, size (cm): 103x74, year of printing: 1972.
Set of two rare original vintage Winter Olympic sport posters from a series published as an Alberta tribute to the athletes of the world who participated in the XV Olympic Winter Games held in 1988 in Calgary Alberta Canada.: 1. Poster celebrating the Swiss ski racers Verena Schneider (b 1964) and Maria Walliser (b 1963) "Switzerland Supreme! Two golds for Vreni Schneider Two bronzes for Maria Walliser Alpine Skiing February 20-26, 1988" featuring the two athletes on the winner's podium in black and white against the red and white Swiss flag with the text in stylised red and black letters vertically and with the Alberta logo and Canadian flag below. Very good condition, minor tears, faint creases. Country: Canada, year: 1988, designer: Unknown, size(cm): 57x34.; 2. Poster celebrating the blind Norwegian athlete Hans Anton Aalien (b 1958) "Hurrah for Norge! Hans Aalien, gold for Norway! 5km Exhibition Skiing February 17, 1988 - Hans Aalie is blind" featuring a black and white image of the smiling winner on the podium wearing his medal from the disabled event against the blue, white and red Norwegian flag, the text in stylised white and black letters vertically and above, also in Braille in the bottom white margin with the Alberta logo and Canadian flag below. Good condition, faint waving, minor scratches. Country: Canada, year: 1988, designer: Unknown, size(cm): 57x34.5.
A Reid & Sigrist 'Leica IIIb' Rangefinder Camera, 1947-58, chrome, serial no. 245981, body, VG-E, shutter workingNote: This rare example is the product the Reid & Sigrist employees supposedly produced on their lunch breaks from left-over and 'liberated' parts. Engravings on the top plate and base plate are clearly British and not German.
Property of a deceased's estate 1925 Matchless 982cc M3 ProjectRegistration no. TT 4332Frame no. 1676Engine no. M3/725•Rare Vintage-era v-twin•Believed partially restored•Offered for completionUnlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless were based in Plumstead, South London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on cycles manufactured by H H Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's first - experimental - motorcycle appeared in 1899 and its first production model in 1902. Already an accomplished cycle racer, Charlie Collier soon turned to racing Matchless motorcycles, as did his brother, and both Colliers would be on the start-line for the inaugural Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Charlie winning the event's single-cylinder class. These early Matchless models were JAP powered but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Nevertheless, within a short time it had gone, along with all the other singles, and for the next several years Matchless built only v-twins. By 1913 there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. These included twin-cylinder 8hp models, one of which was fitted with a Matchless engine (the 7B) and the other a proprietary MAG. The latter was typed '8B'and later would form the basis for the legendary Model H motorcycle combination. Reluctant to remain reliant on outside suppliers, Matchless introduced a 982cc 50-degree v-twin engine of its own design for 1925, although it did bear a strong resemblance to the contemporary JAP. This new engine went into the M/3 model, which replaced the JAP-powered M/2. It is not known when the vendor's late father purchased this Matchless M3. Acquired as a project, the machine appears to have undergone some refurbishment relatively recently, the frame, tinware and engine being believed restored. The Matchless appears largely complete, although the gearbox has been dismantled. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness or otherwise prior to bidding. Complete or not, this rare Matchless, once finished, will afford its new owner with the hugely enjoyable experience of riding a highly capable Vintage-era v-twin. The machine comes with a V5C Registration Certificate and is sold strictly was viewed.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
1968 Matchless 497cc G80CS Registration no. NHU 457FFrame no. C11540Engine no. G80CS/ 5559Although they never possessed the financial resources of chief rival BSA, Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) established a formidable reputation in off-road competition in the 1950s, winning the British 500cc Moto-Cross Championship on four occasions, while in the USA, desert race victories by riders such as Walt Fulton and Bud Ekins ensured a healthy demand for AMC's Matchless G80CS and AJS 18CS scramblers. Production of the G80CS ceased in August 1965 but this example was not first registered until January 1968. Purchased from the preceding owner, who had struggled to kick it over because of the high compression, 'NHU 457F' is a lovely original example, currently displaying a believed-genuine total of 13,010 miles on the odometer. The engine does not turn over and the machine will need re-commissioning before further use. Sold strictly as viewed, this rare G80CS is offered with a V5C.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
1947 Douglas 348cc T35 SportsRegistration no. XVS 818Frame no. T35/S/4935/SSEngine no. T35/S 4935SDouglas commenced post-war production in 1947 with, naturally enough, a flat twin, though unlike the vast majority of previous models the T35 mounted its engine across the frame. The engine/gearbox was of unitary construction, while the frame displayed even greater innovation with its swinging-arm torsion-bar rear suspension and Radiadraulic leading-link front fork. Its advanced running gear endowed the Douglas with excellent handling and steering characteristics, while the willing engine could propel the 'Duggie' at up to 70mph and return 60-plus miles per gallon. Acquired by the vendor (a Douglas OC member) in March 2000, this rare and sought-after post-war Douglas is presented in 'oil rag' condition but will need re-commissioning following a period of inactivity (the engine turns over with compression). The machine is offered with old/current V5C documents. Offered without keyFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1977 Laverda 981cc 3CL ProjectRegistration no. not UK registeredFrame no. 5123Engine no. 5123Introduced in 1972, the 3C (later 3CL) was the first of Laverda's much admired family of classic three-cylinder 'muscle bikes' that would do so much to establish its reputation as one of Italy's foremost purveyors of high-performance motorcycles. Imported from Spain, this Laverda 3CL was purchased from Mdina Italia of West Sussex in 1994 by the current owner, who then commenced a full restoration. The engine was totally rebuilt and many other parts refurbished and repainted. However, the rebuild ground to a halt in the 1990s and the machine was then dry stored for the following 25-or-so years. Offered now for completion and accompanied by a large quantity of parts, some refurbished and others new or original items, this rare 3CL represents a most rewarding project for the successful purchaser. The machine is offered with the 1994 purchase receipt and a Spanish registration document. 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
c.1980 Suzuki RG500 Racing MotorcycleFrame no. RG500-11354Engine no. RG500-11354•Matching numbers•Original specification•Requires re-commissioningSix years out of Grand Prix racing, Suzuki returned in 1973 with a roadster-based TR500 twin for works rider Jack Findlay and, after what was essentially an interim season, was ready to take on the MV Agusta and Yamaha's TZ500 in the 500cc class. The Hamamatsu firm already had plenty of experience of 'square four' engines in the form of the defunct RZ63 250, and this compact layout was revived for its new premier-class racer: the RG500. Based on the square-four cylinder layout of Suzuki's earlier 250, the RG500 was first used by the works in 1974. In its first incarnation the water-cooled two-stroke employed bore/stroke dimensions of 56x50.5mm and featured twin geared-together crankshafts and a six-speed gearbox. Dimensions of 54x54mm were adopted later by the works bikes but the customer version, available from 1976, stuck with the original combination until the MkIV's arrival in 1979. The RG's initial maximum power output of 90bhp was eventually upped to nearer 150bhp before the factory switched to a V4 for 1987. By then the RG500 had won seven manufacturers' titles for Suzuki and provided Britain's Barry Sheene with his two World Championships. From 1983 onwards the pace of development slackened and the RG500 was less competitive with rivals Honda and Yamaha. The class of the field in its day, the RG500 provided talented privateers with a competitive mount at the highest level, and Jack Middleburgh's 1981 British Grand Prix-winning example remains the last entirely private entry to win a premier-class World Championship round. Although technically complex, the customer version was deservedly popular and many are still in action today in Post-Classic racing. The RG500 offered here will require full re-commissioning as its history is not known and neither is the date when it was last used. Notable features of this rare, matching-numbers example include the standard production frame; standard brake discs and callipers; believed original paintwork; thumb-operated choke lever; and magnesium engine cases, Mikuni carburettors, and throttle twist-grip. A nice example. 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
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
From the estate of the late Bill Grove 1921 Wooler 348cc Model BRegistration no. BD 5253Frame no. B290Engine no. 290•Owned by the VMCC's Wooler marque specialist, Bill Grove •An older restoration•Last used at the 2015 Beamish Run (Durham)A byword for engineering eccentricity, Wooler displayed its first motorcycle at the 1911 Olympia Show where it was hailed by the press as 'The greatest novelty in the Show'. The machine was the work of John Wooler, who would go on to design a succession of bizarre motorcycles over the course of the next 40 years. Wooler's first design was powered by a 230cc two-stroke engine that featured a double-acting piston in an enclosed cylinder. This highly unusual power unit was carried in a frame that employed plunger springing for both wheels, while another unique feature was the tapering, missile-shaped fuel tank, protruding in front of the steering head, which gave the machine a distinctly futuristic appearance, at least by the standards of 1911. A winged spanner was chosen as the company's emblem: referring to the fact that supposedly only two sizes of fastening had been used throughout the machine.No Woolers were produced during WWI and when production recommenced in 1919 it was with a horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder four-stroke boasting inlet-over-exhaust valve gear: the Model B. The two-stroke's frame and cycle parts were carried over, as was the protuberant fuel tank, though this was now of a more angular, coffin-like shape. A predominantly yellow colour scheme was adopted, giving rise to the famous 'Flying Banana' nickname. This rare Wooler belonged to the VMCC's marque specialist Trevor William 'Bill' Grove of Northamptonshire. The Wooler was purchased in 1993 from Bill's employer Mr E A Timson shortly before the Regent in this sale (Lot 509), both machines being 'basket cases' when acquired. Unfortunately Bill fell ill after the 2015 Beamish Run and the Wooler and Regent were put into storage where they have remained ever since. Both are older restorations presented in 'as last used' condition (the Wooler carries a tax disc that expired in August 2015). Sadly, Bill passed away in 2020, hence the reason for sale. Following a period of inactivity and storage, the machine will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. In 1996 Timson's presented Bill with a Certificate of Achievement for the Wooler's restoration (copy available but original being retained). Additional paperwork includes V5/V5C documents; a VMCC machine examiner's report; and a printed copy of Bill's illustrated restoration diary. The machine also comes with a quantity of mainly Wooler engine spares and some other original parts (including the remains of the fuel tank). 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
From the estate of the late Bill Grove 1920 Regent 688ccRegistration no. BS 9429Frame no. 69Engine no. E5-564•Owned by the VMCC's Regent marque specialist, Bill Grove•Exceptionally rare make•An older restoration•Not used since circa 2014 'Small manufacturer, who fitted 688cc Coventry-Victor flat twin sv engines into heavy frames of own design and manufacture.' – Erwin Tragatsch, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Motorcycles. Some measure of Regent's obscurity may be gained from the fact that the foregoing is all that Tragtasch has to say about this little-known make. Set up in London in 1919, Regent Motors approached Coventry Victor for the supply of their motorcycle's sidevalve engines and other components, which were assembled initially in Coventry and then sent down to London for finishing. Although Regent Motors folded after only a year or two, Coventry Victor took over manufacture and sold its first motorcycle products under the Coventry Regent name. The marque became plain Coventry Victor from around 1920 and before the decade's end had branched out into motorcar manufacture. Complete vehicles were produced up to 1938, whereafter the firm concentrated on its general engineering business, finally disappearing in 1991.This ultra-rare motorcycle from a long-forgotten make belonged to the VMCC's Regent marque specialist Trevor William 'Bill' Grove of Northamptonshire. The Regent was purchased shortly after the Wooller in this sale (Lot 508) both machines being 'basket cases' when acquired. Unfortunately Bill fell ill after the 2015 Beamish Run and the Wooler and Regent were then put in the garage where they have been stored ever since. Both are older restorations presented in 'as last used' condition (the Regent carries a tax disc that expired in February 2015). Sadly, Bill passed away in 2020, hence the reason for sale. Following a period of inactivity and storage, the machine will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Noteworthy features include a Sturmey Archer gearbox, Binks carburettor, and Klaxon horn. Documents include a V5C; a numberplate certificate; a dating certificate from The Society of Automotive Historians dated 10.2.05; and a printed copy of Bill's illustrated restoration diary. A few spares are included in the sale.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
1925 Sunbeam 500cc Model 11 SprintRegistration no. FC 9062Frame no. OS 273Engine no. 229/350•One of only 18 Sprints known to exist worldwide•One of only two 1925 Model 11 Sprint's recorded•Meticulously restored•One of the rarest and most desirable Vintage Sunbeam'sJohn Marston, a successful maker of domestic wares in Paul Street, Wolverhampton, ventured into bicycle-making in 1887. Sold as 'The Sunbeam', his machines soon became famous for their beautiful, black-japanned and gold-leaf finish and were always expensive, their arrival coinciding perfectly with the boom in 'society' cycling in the 1890s. Marston prospered and the company's first car was made in 1899, although motorcycles were not made until 1912.For such a traditional firm, the entry into competition with new product was startlingly swift. The 1914 2¾hp and the 3½hp models proved successful in long-distance trials and road-racing from the start, the '3½' obtaining a solid 2nd place, ridden by H R Davies, in the 1914 Senior TT. At this time, a young and talented engineer and rider, George Dance, joined the company.Following the Great War and the death of John Marston in 1918, 'The Sunbeam' continued competing with enormous success. Two of Sunbeam's specialities were sprints and hill-climbs for which Dance, now acknowledged as chief tuner, developed a series of astonishingly fast OHV 'Dance Specials', which he and fellow development rider Charles Waterhouse used to dominate the field. The taciturn Dance was considered almost unbeatable in the 350 and 500 classes. Often winning every class in an event, he was immensely successful at Style, Kop, Pendine and Brooklands. Though less prominent in writeups now, Waterhouse also made an important contribution to Sunbeam motorcycling in the post-Great War and early 1920s era. Racing in the TT and speed trials, he took 1st-in-class awards at the Western Centre A-CU Hereford Speed Trials on 4th April 1925. This was the last event held on public roads of that era, following the incident the previous Saturday at Kop Hill which led the RAC and A-CU to cancel speed events on open highways. Though no authentic Dance machine is known to exist, his tuning genius resulted in the briefly catalogued 'Sprint' models, representing a synthesis of everything he had developed in a limited-edition sprinter. Two models were listed: the 350cc Model 10 and 500cc Model 11. Discontinued by 1926, when the public-road events for which it was designed were outlawed, the 'Sprint' was made in tiny numbers and authentic survivors are very rare; the Marston Sunbeam Club records only 18 Sprints of both types known to exist worldwide. 'FC 9062' is a 500cc Model 11 Sprint, and one of only two 1925 machines recorded. It was registered to The Layton Garages in Oxford as a 'Sunbeam 3½hp 250 lbs' on 17th July 1925, and while no period racing is currently traced to this machine, it has been said that Layton were known for supplying Oxford undergraduates with competition mounts, which may hint at the original purchaser. The bike has been known to the Marston Sunbeam Club for many years, being owned prior to 1981 by George Robinson of Darlington, then John Browne of Oxford, with one further owner before passing to the current owner at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2012. While complete and original, when the bike was re-commissioned it became clear that many years of use were reflected in the engine, transmission and running gear. This overhaul evolved into a meticulous, full restoration covering all aspects. Works carried out included rebuilding the gearbox with new gears cut; engine fully rebuilt; wheels rebuilt; new tyres; brakes overhauled; carburettor overhauled; original cork clutch replaced with a stronger Triumph unit; straight-through exhaust fitted; seat recovered; full frame and tinware repaint; and all brightwork re-nickled. The result is the splendid machine presented here today. During restoration, the decision was made to preserve the original engine cases and use a replacement set cast from the originals. The original cases are fundamentally sound and offered with the machine should the new owner wish to re-employ them.During its club life, 'FC 9062' has attended many club rallies as well as being ridden at Banbury, Goodwood, Silverstone, the Isle of Man and Brooklands events. The bike comes with a V5C; a quantity of spare parts (including those items that were replaced during the restoration); some period photographs from the 1960s and '70s; and a history file. The 'Sprint' has always been one of the rarest and desirable of Sunbeam's Vintage models and opportunities to own such machines are few. The bike is fully overhauled and ready to be enjoyed, either to race or simply admire.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
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