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1924 Beardmore Precision, Barr & Stroud sleeve valve 350cc. Registration number PU 2421. Frame number (DVLA & R.F.60, 968) not found. Engine number (DVLA & R.F.60, 658, see text) 22654. At one time F E Baker's Birmingham-based Precision company rivalled JAP as a supplier of engines to Britain's motorcycle manufacturers. The first Precision engine went on sale in 1910, but it was not until after WWI that the firm got around to building a complete motorcycle. Launched as the 'Beardmore Precision', the Scottish Beardmore engineering group having gained control of Baker's company, that first machine was a 350cc two-stroke featuring leaf-sprung suspension front and rear. The range expanded to include sidevalve models of various capacities, a Barr & Stroud sleeve valve-engined '350', and overhead-valve and overhead-cam works racers. Although production models gained an enviable reputation in the trials events of their day, the racers faired disastrously at the 1924 TT, the debacle prompting Beardmore to close the ailing firm. Leaf-sprung front suspension, an external contracting band front brake, and a fuel-tank integral with the frame structure were among its unusual features. In 1888 Archibald Barr and William Stroud began their association, forming the Barr & Stroud company of Glasgow in 1913. Tested successfully in 1919, the first Barr and Stroud sleeve-valve engines were made available to the motorcycle trade in November 1921, initially as a 349cc and later in 499cc single and 998cc V-twin configurations. Engine manufacture ceased in 1927. The company produced somewhat fewer than 2000 motorcycle engines, the majority being of 350cc capacity. PU 2421 was first registered on the 27th March 1924 with a Precision engine, number 658, and by 1929 it was with Ernest Brown of Peckham in London. In 1954 it was sold for £1 10s by E.J. Bonson of London to Frederick Hesk of Hertfordshire, it still had its original engine at this stage. In 1992 it was bought in auction as a restoration project by vintage specialist, Peter Autheson of Hull who replaced the engine with the current Barr& Stroud example and sold it on to our deceased vendor in 1995. The pride of his collection it has MOT certificates from 1996, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2005, (no mileages recorded as there are no instruments), last taxed in 2009. Rarely do these machines come on the market and with nearly 100 years of history this Beardmore presents very well as an older restoration by a skilled mechanic and well cared for by its last custodian. According to VMCC marque specialist, two complete Beardmore Barr and Strouds exist, this one and one Bonhams sold as lot 206, April Stafford 2017. Another is under construction as a project. The marque specialist Derek Bryant would like the next custodian to contact him to keep his records complete. Sold with the V5C, V5, R.F.60, 5 x MOT's, letter from VMCC marque specialist in 1992 and various other paperwork.
about Lot 661
Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson of Kilburn, a pair of mid 20th century carved oak adzed bookends, each with incised carved mouse signature and carved letters 'J' & 'N', 15.5 x 9.5cm. Provenance; Sold behalf of the Amy Brundrett Trust.
about Lot 478
A 12 string Ovation electric acoustic, custom legend guitar pre amp, model number: 178-4c, serial number: 513527, with abalone decoration, ebony fingerboard, by Karmen Music, made in New Hartford, Connecticut USA, hard case, owners manual and registration card
about Lot 169
A Zippo Lighter Set, consisting of eight limited edition Zippo lighter depicting songs of Elvis, with sculpted replica of a gold disk, in a glazed hinged case with 'King of Rock and Roll' badge
about Lot 76
A Japanese Satsuma pair of vases, Meiji period (1868-1912), by Kinkozan, Kyoto, of oblong form with lobed panels depicting a procession and ladies in an interior scene, floral and fauna to the minor panels, signed to the underside with label, 15.5cm high. Condition report; Very good condition, no obvious chips, cracks or restoration. Finely crazed throughout as per the nature of manufacture.
about Lot 148
A 19th century French bronze statue of a sphinx, mounted on a black marble base, 26 x 11 x 13cm
about Lot 80
An Allwin penny slot arcade machine, wall mount, mahogany case with glazed hinged door, 50cm x 80cm x 16cm Provenance; purchased from the SS Empire Emporium, York closure in 1985. In 1987 it reopened as the Grand Opera House, York
about Lot 290
1988 Ford Escort XR3i, 1,597cc. Registration number E53 EAR. Chassis number SFABXXBBABJB32810. Engine number JB32810. Partly in answer to Volkswagen’s hugely popular but expensive Golf GTi, and partly to bring a ‘halo’ car to the new front wheel-drive Escort of 1980, Ford launched the XR3 early in 1982. In two-door form, with a large black rear spoiler and those Porsche 928-like wheels, the model made an immediate impression. It wasn’t long before one in ten Escorts sold was an XR3. Not long after the model’s launch, Rod Mansfield and Ford Special Vehicle Division were brought in to further fettle the new hatch back. Having already transformed the Capri (with the 2.8i) the team set about tweaking the ’Scort. As well as modifications, they brought the much coveted and all-important ‘i’ to the name; adding Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, helping the car produce 105bhp and gain a top speed of 120mph. It took the model one step closer to rivaling the German Hot Hatch. EAR has had four owners, the last being our vendor who in 1994 suffered was unfortunate to experience his car being damaged by vandals who stole such items as the wheels and bumpers, slashing the seats and door cards. Pronounced a Vehicle Damaged by DVLA, he retained ownership and stored in in a barn, with the intend on restoring it. He has now agreed this will never happen with him so it has been extricated and is being offered for sale. There are 2 MOT's from 1992 at 35,054 miles and 1993 at 40,331 miles but no V5C, it is still recorded with DVLA.
about Lot 406
Royal Copenhagen'; a pair of 'Blue Fluted Plain' painted porcelain standing Dala horses, each with marks and 134 and 570 to base, 17cm high.
about Lot 268
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