Description
This motorcycle is Lot 26 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 26
The Ivan Kessell Collection
c. 1919 Gnome-Rhone 125cc
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. unable to locate
One of the most famous aero engine manufacturers of WWI, Gnome & Rhone was forced to diversify after the conflict's end and introduced its first motorcycle in 1919, building the Granville Bradshaw-designed ABC under licence. In 1923 the firm introduced single-cylinder power units of its own manufacture, pioneering the use of unitary construction for engine/ gearbox, and in the 1930s produced a range of BMW-influenced transverse flat-twins with pressed-steel frames. There were singles too, of course, which featured pressed-steel frames like the larger twins.
An older restoration, this rare Gnome-Rhone lightweight has been on long-term museum display and will require recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It is not known when Ivan Kessell purchased the machine, but it was probably acquired during the late 1970s/ early 1980s like many of the others in the collection. There are no documents with this Lot.
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.
