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.

Circle of Sir Peter Lely, (1618-1680), a 17th century portrait of Lady Anne Keith, unsigned, with dedication, oil on canvas, 70 x 57 cm, gilt frame.

A large collection of military badges , UK, USA and Russia

South Africa 1879, awarded to 389 Pte. J. Chatterton, 1/24th Foot, Queens South Africa, 1877-8-9 clasp. Provenance; purchased by the vendors father in the 1970's. With thanks to Celia Green, Archivist/Researcher, The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh, sold with a copy of her research and a copy of the Medal Roll entitlement. James CHATTERTON, Rank: Private, 1st Battalion 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot Regimental No: 25B/389. Enlisted in Manchester, Lancashire 16.7.1874 age 21 years. Granted Good Conduct Pay of 1d per diem 27.5.1878. Killed in action on Wednesday 22.1.1879 at the Battle of Isandlwana No known grave but remains interred under one of the many cairns to be found on the Battlefield The 1st Battalion had 15 Officers, 51 NCOs, 12 Drummers and 325 Other Ranks killed at Isandlwana on 22nd January 1879. During 1877 and 1878, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment was engaged in the Kaffir War with the natives of the Transkei, and was joined in South Africa by 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment in March 1878. At the end of 1878, it became clear that a Field Force would have to be sent to bring the Zulu nation under control. ISANDLWANA On 11th January 1879, the Force crossed from Natal into Zululand in three columns. The Force Commander, Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford, accompanied the left column, which was commanded by Colonel Richard Glyn, 24th Regiment, and comprised 1/24th and 2/24th, a field battery, some mounted infantry and two battalions of the Natal Native Contingent. This column crossed the Buffalo River at Rorke’s Drift, and for the next week was engaged in road making tasks. On 20th January, leaving B Company 2/24th under Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead to guard the drift, the stores and a hospital established there, the column advanced to Isandlwana Hill, ten miles east of Rorke’s Drift. During 21st January, a reconnaissance to the south-east came into contact with the Zulus and at 4 am on the 22nd January Lord Chelmsford with 2/24th, the artillery and some of the Natal Native Contingent moved out to bring them to battle. Left in camp at Isandlwana were the headquarters and five companies of 1/24th under Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine and G Company of 2/24th. Although there had been reports of Zulus to the north-east the previous day, Lord Chelmsford had taken no steps to verify this nor had the camp been put into a state of defence. At 7 am Zulus were seen collecting in the hills to the north-east of the camp. The alarm was sounded, the troops stood-to, and a message was sent off to Lord Chelmsford, who apparently thought the news of no consequence as he took no action when he received it. At 10 am Colonel Durnford of the Royal Engineers, arrived in camp from Rorke’s Drift with a rocket battery, 250 mounted Basutos and four companies of the Natal Native Contingent. He was senior to Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine, and promptly took his men out to attack the Zulus, telling Pulleine to send a company to support him; this he did, the company moving to a ridge 1,500 yards from camp. About mid-day Durnford’s force was heavily attacked and he demanded more support. Pulleine reluctantly sent out a further company, leaving himself with only three companies of 1/24th, one of 2/24th and the Natal Native Contingent. Masses of the enemy were now advancing directly upon the camp itself, Durnford’s men were retiring and all the companies of the 24th were in action and hotly engaged. Vigorously as the attack was pressed, the 24th were standing their ground well, shooting steadily and confidently and making every round tell. The Zulus, though their main body had worked to within 200 yards of the 24th line, were finding the fire too hot and were on the verge of retreat. Indeed had the ammunition supply been maintained the attack might have been beaten off, but there was great trouble in getting the ammunition boxes off the kicking and plunging mules, and difficulty in opening them, as in those days the lids were screwed down. Suddenly at about 1.15 pm the fire slackened, the Zulus seized their chance and dashed in with loud shouts, the Natal Native Contingent fled and the Zulus poured through the gap. In a short time all was over. The men of the 24th were found afterwards lying in groups back to back where they had stood to fight it out. Rings of dead Zulus all about them showed how they had held out till their ammunition failed. Only ten men of the Regiment escaped.

Replica Seeley MK2 Rolling Chassis Project. The origins of this project are unknown, the deceased vendor Scottish Motorcycle Racer Andy Richardson was building it before his passing and a family friend in the Scottish Classic Racing Motorcycle Club was asked by the family to assist with its sale. The unpainted frame has no lugs so it can take a Gold Star or AJS 7R engine. New parts included are Akron alloy 18” rims, Maxton suspension, Marzochi top/bottom fork yokes, rear suspension, hubs, rear sprocket, alloy rear wheel adjusters, clip ons, alloy tank, and fairing brackets. Used parts include an original Seeley primary chain case plus another primary chain case, high level exhaust silencer, seat, 13” front disc, alloy engine and gearbox plates, 2 steering dampers, and a front alloy mudguard.

A Georgian Military rosewood and brass inlaid writing box, c.1830, the hinged lid with Thompson patent lock, stamped Crowned GR twice, opening to reveal another hinged lid that has two brass risers enabling it to be used as a bookstand, opening to reveal a leather covered slope and fitted interior, opening to reveal a secret layer of drawers, 51 x 31 x 21 cm.

Platform lamp glass "North Cave", This former Hull, Barnsley and West Riding junction and Dock.Co railway station opened in July 1886 and closed to passenger traffic in August 1955

Victor Wilkins For G Plan, a teak sideboard, c.1970s, with drinks cabinet, then three drawers, (one with cutlery compartment) and two cupboard doors, 197 x 44 x 74 cm.

Palitoy Action Men and accessories to include clothing, weapons, figures, and a boxed Strike Force figure. (2)

Bing for Bassett Lowke, a clockwork tin plate gauge 1 L.S.W.R 109 locomotive, with brown edged green livery and two speed mechanism, 37 x 8cm.