Description
This motorcycle is Lot 235 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 235
Property of a deceased's estate
1940 OEC 350/ 500cc Commodore (see text)
Registration no. CKG 53
Frame no. 2000
Engine no. 47/ G3L 4646
Best remembered for its curious 'duplex' form of steering gear and Claude Temple's record-breaking exploits on the mighty OEC-Temple-Anzani, the Osborn Engineering Company commenced motorcycle manufacture in 1914. The Gosport-based firm began by making motorcycles under contract to engine manufacturer Blackburne before marketing machines under its own name from 1920. OEC also made its own engines under the 'Atlanta' name but mainly relied on proprietary power units from JAP. As well as the patented duplex steering, introduced in 1927, the firm offered rear springing from 1929. An option at first, this looked like a 'plunger' arrangement but in fact used a pivoted fork.
The company's top-of-the-range sports model, this rare OEC Commodore was first registered on 8th July 1940 a '500', but has since been fitted with a replacement Matchless G3L 350cc engine dating from 1947. However, it has not proved possible to determine the actual engine capacity with any certainty. Accompanying documentation consists of an old-type V5C and a continuation buff logbook from 1959 issued by the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council and listing the following owners:
Fred Sunderland, Knottingley (1959)
Edwin Ward, Pontefract (1959)
Alan Senior, Dewsbury (1960)
George Nixon, Wakefield (unknown)
The vendor's late brother (1978)
Apparently not used for some time, the machine will require re-commissioning or more extensive restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Offered with a V5C.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
