Description
This motorcycle is Lot 307 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 307
1914 Bradbury 554cc
Registration no. DS 7411
Frame no. 47798
Engine no. None visible
Rare British make
Present ownership for some 50-plus years
Restored in 2014/ 2015 and unused since
Requires recommissioning
Established at the Wellington Works in Oldham, Lancashire in 1852, Bradbury & Company Limited claimed to be the first manufacturer to build an 'All-British Motor Cycle and Tri-Car', its products having been ridden successfully as early as 1898. Its early two-wheelers were basically a standard bicycle powered by a Minerva engine mounted on the frame's down-tube, which were soon superseded by models built to the new Werner layout, with the engine in the bottom bracket position.
Although destined not to survive beyond 1925, Bradbury had amassed an impressive tally of awards and records prior to WWI. 'Speed and Reliability' were claimed as special qualities, and any machine which simultaneously held the 'English and Irish End to End Sidecar Records' - 'at record speed and without a single mechanical stoppage' - must have had a lot going for it.
The 3½hp model was standardised from 1909 and now featured a sprung front fork. This model was later rated at 4hp. The 4hp Bradbury employed a single-cylinder sidevalve engine of 554cc and could be ordered in single-gear belt-driven form or with the refinements of hub gears and chain drive. Perhaps the model's most unusual feature was a crankcase integral with the frame 'ensuring better balance, greater strength and rigidity', this design having first appeared on a Bradbury around 1902.
This rare Veteran-era Bradbury was purchased by our vendor some 50-plus years ago and not registered until 1986. It was restored in 2014/ 2015, including a re-bore and new main bearings, piston, valve guides, etc. Notable features include direct belt drive via a Philipson's Pulley, Bosch magneto, Lucas acetylene lighting set, leather tool box, and a bulb horn. Unused since the rebuild's completion in 2015, the Bradbury is presented in good order throughout, although recommissioning will be required before this delightful Veteran returns to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of old-style V5 and V5C documents.
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.
