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Sheffields Motorcycle Industry


Orreet

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At a recent visit to The National Motorcycle Museum, a great way to loose a day in a fog of nostalgia bye the way. My eye was taken by a handsome red machine, it was a "Dunelt Vulture". A motorcycle with Sheffield connections, the imformation panel mentioned other Sheffield makes. Here's what ive managed to cobble together so far, its a bit sparse in places, but hopefully we can gather more imformation over time. I will try and add pictures too eventually.

Dunelt:

An off shoot of Dunford and Elliot steel makers, first built in 1919 in Birmingham their first model was a 500cc super charged two stroke single. After hitting financial problems, production moved up to Sheffield (I cant find any mention of where) and production ceased in 1935. Although they did flirt with 3 wheelers and outboard motors for a while afterwards.

Probably their greatest day came in 1924 when a Dunelt machine became the first motorcycle to make a desert crossing from Cairo to Siwa. The picture below is a 1931 ( so could be Sheffield made) Dunelt Vulture.

Speed King JAP:

I can find hardly anything about this make, only that production was from between 1913-15 and were avaliable via mail order from a certain JG Graves.

Sheffield Minor:

Despite The National Motorcycle Museum having one of these on display, I cant find anything else about them, other than another connection to JG Graves.

The Museums example fitted with a villiers engine possibly 1913-16

Wilkin:

Kelham Island have an imcomplete 1922 model on display (see below), again imformation is sparse but their workshops were on Onslow Road.

Sheffield-Henderson:

Motorcycle and sidecar makers 1919-23, made at the Aero Works Fitzwilliam Street. An advert from "The Motorcycle" June 1922, boasts of Sheffield Hendersons record breaking. MR WD Marchant riding the firms 2.5hp ohv model claimed the 5+10 mile speed records in the 250cc class on the 15th of May. The advert proclaims the Sheffield Henderson as the sensation of the 1922 season! And the perfect mount for the sportsman! Plus it was guaranteed to exceed 70mph. All this could have been yours for £110 including a free high compression aluminium piston and race cam, plus quick delivery.

The picture below shows Earnest Searle at the 1922 TT on a Sheffield Henderson, he failed to finish in both the junior and senior races.

http://www.picturesheffield.com/cgi-bin/pi...ff.refno=u00286

The Neracar is the most successful of Sheffields Motorcycles (So successful Ive seen 3 this year!). Made at the Fitzwilliam works Tinsley, Picture Sheffield has many photo's on its website, and Kelham Island has 2 on display.

So thats all Ive got at the moment, lets see if we can add some more. And when I get organised I will add some pics too.

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Dunelt:

An off shoot of Dunford and Elliot steel makers, first built in 1919 in Birmingham their first model was a 500cc super charged two stroke single. After hitting financial problems, production moved up to Sheffield (I cant find any mention of where).

Don't know where (yet) but it was Late 1931.

Details

Great work Orreet ! lol

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...

Wilkin:

Kelham Island have an imcomplete 1922 model on display (see below), again imformation is sparse but their workshops were on Onslow Road.

George William Wilkin, Cycle Dealer, 412 Sharrow Vale Road (1911)

and

G W Wilkin & Co., Motor Cycle Dealers, 635 Ecclesall Road (1919)

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So thats all Ive got at the moment, lets see if we can add some more. And when I get organised I will add some pics too. What make would this be ? W/E.

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If we could lighten the image and get a better look at the engine and tank shape, we could be in business.

Image quality not good enough to do that I'm afraid :(

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Image quality not good enough to do that I'm afraid :(

Thankyou Steve. It could be a B S A. Grandad used to tell us it was that make of bike that helped save his life in the great war. Now you have lightened the photo up and we can read the reg someone who knows about old bikes should be able to identify it. The photo was taken in the 1930s. W/E.

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Hello Waterside Echo hope you get to see this.

Thanks to the weather and liking a bit of a challenge, Ive been looking through loads of stuff. And from what I can make out on the photo and taking your Grandads word that it is a BSA, I think Ive found a contender.

Your Grandads machine looks like it could be a BSA H2 from sometime around WWI.

An advert in "The Motorcycle" from 1921 lists the spec for a BSA H2 as having a 557cc side-valve single cylinder engine producing 4.5 HP with chain drive and a three speed box.

It was avaliable from the factory with a BSA No3 Coach built sidecar, for the princely sum of £152. This model has electric lighting, your Grandads has an acetelyne lamp so must be earlier model.

Ill have a trawl on the net to see if I can find any decent links, my scanner isnt working at the moment.

Found one its got a different sidecar, but quite simular. Its up for sale for 17500 euros.

http://www.yesterdays.nl/1919-canoelet-com...12.html?invis=1

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Thanks for your reply Orreet. The reg number on the bike dates back to 1926/27. If you are correct about the age and model maybe it was bought at a army surplus sale. We only have one family member left who lived in that era now, I will try and find out if auntie remembers anything. Regards, W/E.

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The attached photo was taken by my dad in 1934. With three up the trip to Devon usually took them two days, and with at least a couple of punctures on the way. They made this journey most years in the 1930s.

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Thats a great picture, and what a journey to make, very intrepid!

Ive had another trawl around, and the BSA H model was avaliable with acetelyne lighting right through to the late twenties. Drum brakes were fitted on the 27-28 model, your Grandads has the old bicycle style brakes fitted so could well be a 1926 model.

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In 1993 I was on holiday in the Isle of Man, and visited Murray’s Motorcycle Museum.  One of the exhibits caught my attention – it was a framed AutoCycle Union Certificate of Performance for the Wilkin motorcycle which I noted had been made in Sheffield at Onslow Road, a couple of roads away from where I grew up. I took a poor photograph of the certificate.  In 2005 Peter Murray announced that the museum was closing and asked for people to register their interest in buying the exhibits.  I asked to buy the ACU certificate, but never heard anything.  I presume there was insufficient interest in purchase of the exhibits, as the museum is still operating, and I guess the Wilkin ACU certificate is still on their wall.

George William Wilkin was born on 24th March 1888 to Thomas (a razor grinder) and Florence Ann Wilkin of St Philip’s Road, and baptised on 10th April at St George’s church. In 1909 he was a traveller of 412 Sharrow Vale Road and on 8th March he married Ethel Marples at St Augustines, Brocco Bank.  Ethel was a couple of years older than George, the daughter of Charles Marples, a stone mason of 61 Cemetery Road. The witnesses were Arthur Frederick Wilkin and Estelle Ann Marples. George and Ethel’s children were Constance (born 1909), Gladys (born 1913) and Ronald (1914).

In 1908 and 1909 George was a member of the Sheffield Cyclists Road Club.  He entered many events and was a rival of Osbert Skinner in both races and in trying to beat Osbert’s 50 mile record.  At the 1909 CRC dinner he was presented with 5 prizes.

At the 1911 Census George was recorded as a cycle agent at 412 Sharrow Vale Road, aged 23 with his wife Ethel (25) and daughter Constance Estella 1 ¾, born at 40 Murray Road.  The Whites Directory of Sheffield & Rotherham for 1911 listed “Wilkin, George William, cycle dealer at 412 Sharrow Vale Road.

In February 1913 George was riding a motorcycle and sidecar near Foxhouse.  Two cyclists were approaching round a corner from the opposite direction.  George sounded his horn, signalled to warn the car behind him, and slowed. The car driver misread the situation and moved out to overtake George.  In trying to move to the left and slow, the cyclists collided and one of them was hit by the car and killed.  The court found no-one to be at fault.

In March 1913 George was the sole agent in Sheffield for the Rex J.A.P 6 h.p. motor cycle, which could be delivered from his stock at Sharrow Vale Road.

In 1914 George took part in the London to Edinburgh Run comprising 199 Motorcycles with and without sidecars, and 27 Cyclecars. He was number 164 on a Rex 8 h.p. sidecar outfit.  From 6th July he took part in the A.C.U. Six Day Trial, which was based in Sheffield. George used a 349cc 2 ¾ h.p. Levis. The A.C.U. rented shop premises on London Road which allowed for administration, a press office and display of the silver cups for the winners,  The Olympia skating rink on Bramall Lane was hired for storage of the machines, refuelling and for scrutineering. Machines and riders were taken next door to the Anchor Brewery where they were weighed. A Sheffield-Simplex car was used to spread dye along the route for competitors to follow. George and the Levis performed well especially on the hill climbs, and he finished with a bronze medal award. On the 18th July the Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Cycle Club held their final flying kilometre trial of a series of three – George set the fastest sidecar time on an 8 h.p. Rex-JAP. On 25th July The Sheffield and Hallamshire MCC organised their sixth annual Holyhead and back trial (a distance of 316 miles) – the weather was terrible but George won a silver medal, again on his Rex-JAP.

 1504471581_ACU6DayTrial1914.png.a877cae8c35b16aa68afca1ae90e3390.png

On 1st July 1915 George Wilkin a motor engineer of 635 Ecclesall Road was fined £3 for breach of blackout regulations. PC Purdy had drawn his attention to the fact that three lights in his shop were without shades or blinds and were throwing light onto the street. Wilkin took practically no notice and continued with some work he was doing. On 23rd April 1917 he was again fined for a blackout offence, this time 10 shillings.

  On 28th April 1916 an advert in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph Workmen Wanted section read “ MOTOR-CYCLE MECHANIC Must be thoroughly experienced Wilkin  Hunters Bar”.  On 11th November 1916 an advert in the Daily Telegraph read “Will the LADY who picked up parcel Ecclesall road yesterday afternoon, dropped from motor-cycle, please return same to Mr Wilkins’  Motor Garage, Hunters Bar?”  On 16th December 1916 an advert in the Daily Telegraph read “MOTOR CYCLE MECHANIC,  ineligible or discharged soldier – Wilkin Hunter’s Bar”.  In March 1917 George was advertising “PETROL SUBSTITUTE – We guarantee your machine will run as well on our SUBSTITUTE as on PETROL.  All that is necessary is a petrol injection when cold”

In January 1917 George appealed against conscription:

G W Wilkin, Motor Engineer, aged 30 married, basis of claim “A” Result “Munitions”.

In February the military appealed and he was (now stated as 28 years old) given until 31st March then would have to do “garrison service abroad”. George enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 17th April 1917

From being a cadet in the Royal Flying Corps, he was given a temporary commission as 2nd Lieutenant on 16th August 1917, and became a Lieutenant (Flying) on 1st April 1918. George flew the following aircraft:  Airco DH6 (trainer), the B.E.2c, Armstrong Whitworth, and R.E.8 . He served in France. On January 11th 1919 Lieutenant G W Wilkin was transferred to the “unemployed list” ready for demobilisation.

 723553463_RFC1917.png.50f0b4a041a70121485986f7c1b5003c.png

On 30th June 1917, seven motorcycles were advertised for sale from his premises at Hunters Bar, possibly trying to keep the business afloat while he was away.  The business was very active during 1918 – it is not clear who was operating it whilst George was away with the RFC– possibly Thomas Jackson had left the services by this time?  In January 1919 he advertised “We have done our best in the Great War, The Two Partners in the Firm have together had Six Years’ Service with the Colours, a reputation held by no other firm in the Trade in Sheffield”.

On 18th July 1919 a newspaper notice was posted stating that the partnership between George and Thomas Hewitt Vincent Jackson as G.W. Wilkin and Company, motor cycle dealers, 635 Ecclesall Road was dissolved as of 28th June. A newspaper notice dated 8th July stated “The Old Business Under a New Name WILKINS and Co late G W WILKIN and Co The Hunters Bar Motor Depot Business As Usual under a new and efficient Management”

In August 1919 Harry Wilkins (no relation and with an “S”), of 99 Rustlings Road, step father of Thomas H V Jackson bought the motor business from Wilkin at a cost of £5,525, £2,500 of which was for “goodwill”.  After the purchase, by March 1922 Harry Wilkins had lost £4,300 and was bankrupt.  Not all of his problems were down to the motor business.  Harry had been a general manager and managing director to large silver firms, but in 1916 he started business as a steel merchant on his own account.  In 1917 he committed to a contract with a Norwegian firm to buy 450 tons of ferro-chrome, but the Ministry of Munitions immediately put this type of material under control and requisitioned it. When the controls were removed the price of ferro-chrome had dropped by £40 per ton, and the vendors forced him to take part of the quantity at the original price. 

On 4th September 1919 the new Endcliffe Motor-cycle and Car Depot at 635-637 Ecclesall Road was advertising impending arrivals of Deemster HFG and MB Light cars.  On 20th September 1919 the advert for the Wilkins Motor Co stated that the proprietor was T H Jackson.  Immediately underneath was an advert for George Wilkin’s new lightweight motorcycle  He was now a Sole Proprietor based at 154 Broomhall Street “No connection with any other firm in Sheffield” as he had sold his Wilkin Motor Company. The initial machine had a Villiers 2 ½ HP two stroke engine, 2 speed gearbox Brampton forks for 62 guineas or 68 guineas with a kickstarter and clutch.  Delivery was 10 to 14 days.  His new Model B with Blackburne engine was due in 6 to 8 weeks.

By 11th October 1919, his adverts stated that his agent in Sheffield was now Frank B. Roper of166-168 London Road. The adverts noted results from the Bisby Cup (over a course of 68 miles) and G W Wilkin won the prize for the lowest powered motor-cycle with his 2 ½ HP model.  By November 1919 another dealer had been found, the Upwood Motor Company in Bristol.

On 9th January 1920, a new company was registered: Wilkin Motors (Limited) with capital of £10,000, the directors were Mr. G W Wilkin of 91 Onslow Road,  Mr. H Wilkin (George’s brother)  also a motor engineer, 188 Ecclesall Road and Mr Walter Lister (George’s step brother) an asphalting contractor, 54 Aberdeen Street. The 91 Onslow Road house is the double house on the bend.  This advert is the first with Wilkins’ address being Onslow Road.

On 10th January 1920 Wilkin placed an advert stating that the first test of the B model had taken place – the London – Exeter – London trial.  Although the machine had only been finished the night before it had won a Gold Medal.

 1789249234_Advert1921.thumb.png.e615d12c30dbcce1bf2c6c267c1e5e48.png

24th January 1920 – another sole agent has been appointed: The Moortown Motor Cycle and Cycle Company, Leeds. In February Bert Houlding , Marks and Rigby Ltd of Preston advertised as an agent. George was advertising for motor cycle frame builders in February.In March Wardmans of Cheltenham were advertising as an agent. By June Widdowsons of Nottingham were advertising as being an agent.

On 2nd May 1920 George was part of Frank Roper’s team, competing in the Sheffield Motor-Cycle Traders Team Trial – Roper’s team won 1st prize, a silver cup and 6 gold medals, George scoring 100% on a 2 ¾ h.p. Wilkin. In May 1920 George won a silver medal in the Birmingham M.M.M club’s Victory Trial. In June 1920 George won a gold medal at the Ilkley trial with his 2 ¾ h.p. machine, and a first class certificate in the 350cc class.

In September 1920 George won the Mellano Cup for the smallest powered machine to complete the Scott Trial.  He then embarked on the promotional  round Britain ACU observed journey of 3,315 miles, starting and finishing at Blake’s showrooms in Liverpool, using a 3 ½ h.p. outfit, with Mr J.M. Barr official ACU observer. He was expected to arrive at Snell’s Motor House (Devon and Cornwall agents) on Saturday 25th September. The trip took 21 days finishing on 1st October The first day, Liverpool to Barrow (112¼ miles) was the shortest leg, and the last from Grimsby to Yarmouth (235 miles) the longest.  Starting from Liverpool on September 8th, the route was via the West and North Coast of Scotland to John-o’-Groat’s, down the East Coast of Great Britain to Tilbury Docks, along the South Coast to Land’s End, then via the Welsh Coast to Liverpool. The coast-line was followed wherever there was anything in the nature of a road. Often this was nothing more than a right of way, and from Dumfries to Thurso the machine had to travel over stones and boulders, which the machine withstood remarkably well. This was described as the worst stretch of road. At Scourie, in Scotland, it was found that the ferry had been out of commission for twelve months. However, the ferryman raked up a craft of some description and got them across. The actual travelling days numbered twenty-one, and on two days the rain was so heavy that no mileage was made, and the motor cyclists remained at Grimsby and Yarmouth respectively. During the first fortnight there was incessant rain, and the rider declared that the journey over the noted ‘Rest and be Thankful’ hill would have been impossible had it not been for the chain drive.  Bitter complaints were made of the terrible roads.  Although a few spare valve parts were carried, replacements were surprisingly few, the tyre troubles consisting of five punctures (two in the sidecar tube) and a leaking valve. The carburetter and magneto were faultless. Without passengers, the outfit weighed 4¼cwt and its load 22 stone. The average petrol consumption was roughly 55mpg, and oil about 800mpg. A feature of the cycle was the 7¼in. mudguards.

103443702_FinishofCoastRun.png.b3bbe56b424c4bde086a12f2756f7283.png

In November 1920 the firm showed their sidecar and sports models at the Olympia Motor Cycle Show in London.  The Motor Cycle magazine wrote:    “REALLY HIGH-CLASS SINGLE-CYLINDER machines are few and far between among the newcomers to the market, and for this reason the Wilkin 4hp machine will attract its full share of attention. It is the product of Mr G.W. Wilkin, of Sheffield, who for several years has been selling motor cycles besides riding them both privately and in competitions. The engine is the well-known Blackburne ‘4’, and the gearbox a Sturmey- Archer with all-chain transmission totally enclosed in well-proportioned cases. Having a sloping top tube, the frame has distinctive lines, and is rather longer than would have been necessary on a machine intended for solo work. The Lucas Magdyno combined lighting and ignition set forms part of the equipment and the black finish is relieved by neat gold lining on the tank and a plated handle-bar. The mudguards are of good width, and in the case of the front wheel guards extend outside the fork members, while the valances on both are deep. At every point the design and construction appear to be sound, and we should not be surprised to see the Wilkin become very popular, not only in the districts adjacent to its birthplace, but among motor cyclists generally. We congratulate Mr Wilkin on a splendid machine, which comes as a welcome addition to a type of which there are not too many representatives.”

In January 1921 N.M.E Ltd of Sunderland advertised “The Super-efficient Wilkin Motor-cycles, excels in the single cylinder class of motor-cycle.  Come round and have a demonstration run”

569051225_WilkinsAdvert3models.png.258e745308641f9a2486df6ff9307ac5.png

However the business was not succeeding. On 25th May 1921 a voluntary liquidation notice for “The Wilkin Motors Limited” was placed in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph. A liquidation sale of 1500 lots was arranged to take place by JG Severn and Co, Auctioneers, in Alfreton on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th July. Catalogues were available for 3d. The whole of the stock was bought by Froggatt and Middleton of 633 Abbeydale Road, and by 30th of July they were advertising them in the Sheffield papers.  A further consignment of Wilkin spares had been found and put up for sale at Alfreton on 10th August.  By April 1922 Froggatt and Middleton still had most of the Wilkin stock and advertised “Don’t miss this chance: everything to build a brand new high-class Motor Cycle at second-hand price. Special offers to the Trade for quantities”

 418361590_Advert1921_2.png.29461b874085c9dee7889636b2efa078.png

Holmes and Younie were advertising themselves as being “Late G W Wilkin & Co” based at Ecclesall Road, and were present at the Olympia show in November 1921, obviously keen to associate themselves with Wilkin and his goodwill.

July 1921 saw George win a gold medal at the Ilkley Reliability Trial on a 6 h.p. Martinsyde combination. In June 1922 George in a 9.5 h.p. Deemster 2-seater light car won a gold medal at the Sheffield-Barmouth-Sheffield Reliability Trial, organised by the Sheffield and Hallamshire Club.

At Easter 1923 George won a bronze medal in the Motor Cycling Club’s Land’s End Trail, driving from London (Slough) to Land’s End in a Lea-Francis car.

 833455710_1923LandEndTrial.png.5d6de3d3f791193c0cee5d4de144be60.png

Christmas 1924 saw George in his 9.8h.p. Lea-Francis car competing in the London to Exeter trial. The 27th July 1925 saw him in a 12 h.p. Lea-Francis competing in the Edinburgh and District club’s Scottish six days trial.

By mid 1932 George was running his motor cycle dealership at 26 London Road, Kingston-on-Thames, and was still there in October 1933.  In December 1934 he won a bronze medal in the Streatham Revenge Cup Trial, riding a 499cc Ariel motor cycle.  He was still listed as an Amal carburettor stockist at The Parade, 26 London Road, Kingston-on-Thames in September 1947.

In 1939 the Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo ran between 17th and 25 of January and there were 121 cars starting and only 100 finishing. George’s 2 litre Triumph Dolomite car was the first to leave John o’ Groats and he came 47th. The British competitors complained about poor signage, as many of them had got lost driving through Toulouse.

By March November 1940  George was operating G W Wilkin Ltd, a car sales firm, from 2 sites in Kingston-on-Thames, the largest dealer in the town.  His 1941 newspaper advert featured 29 cars but he had many more in stock.

 710342236_CarSales1941.png.32650f589fd2d6b83be921bf994f9b2b.png

By 1950 G W Wilkin Ltd, Weston Park, Kingston-on-Thames were marketing the “ Farmer’s Boy” light garden tractor. They were selling agricultural Wet Spraying units for attachment to small tractors in 1956.

 386721590_WilkinTractor1951.png.9a2d6ab9b80e30afcf6dd62043b6bc2b.png

George died on 29th April 1962 at 19 & 20 Marine Point Flats, West Parade, Worthing survived by Ethel his wife.  He left £40,764 17s 9d in his will.

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Here's a full page advert from "Motor Cycling" for the J.A.P. engined four stroke version - the Speed King.  This used the name from their bicycle, which they advertised as the "World's Best Bicycle".  Graves made 5 models for 1914, including  2 1/2 h.p and  3 1/2 h.p. Precision engines as well as the J.A.P.

A post card will bring you our complete Catalogue of Speed King’ 1914 Model Motor Cycles. Prices from £35 to £60. Any model delivered to approved orders for small payment with order 

2135070429_Graves1914_3.thumb.png.3fb7b8fdcf930685e621b236bb57ff4a.png

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Another model from 1904, doesn't specify Sheffield built though.

Edit...it seems Star Engineering Co Motorcycles were Wolverhampton built.

 

Snap 2022-12-02 at 13.32.08.png

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On 10/01/2010 at 16:30, Orreet said:

At a recent visit to The National Motorcycle Museum, a great way to loose a day in a fog of nostalgia bye the way. My eye was taken by a handsome red machine, it was a "Dunelt Vulture". A motorcycle with Sheffield connections, the imformation panel mentioned other Sheffield makes. Here's what ive managed to cobble together so far, its a bit sparse in places, but hopefully we can gather more imformation over time. I will try and add pictures too eventually.

 

 

Dunelt:

An off shoot of Dunford and Elliot steel makers, first built in 1919 in Birmingham their first model was a 500cc super charged two stroke single. After hitting financial problems, production moved up to Sheffield (I cant find any mention of where) and production ceased in 1935. Although they did flirt with 3 wheelers and outboard motors for a while afterwards.

Probably their greatest day came in 1924 when a Dunelt machine became the first motorcycle to make a desert crossing from Cairo to Siwa. The picture below is a 1931 ( so could be Sheffield made) Dunelt Vulture.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4263088098_f2741287d0.jpg

 

Speed King JAP:

I can find hardly anything about this make, only that production was from between 1913-15 and were avaliable via mail order from a certain JG Graves.

 

 

 

Sheffield Minor:

Despite The National Motorcycle Museum having one of these on display, I cant find anything else about them, other than another connection to JG Graves.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4262343931_910771fe82.jpg

The Museums example fitted with a villiers engine possibly 1913-16

 

Wilkin:

Kelham Island have an imcomplete 1922 model on display (see below), again imformation is sparse but their workshops were on Onslow Road.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3578557551_d85ba7f501.jpg

 

Sheffield-Henderson:

Motorcycle and sidecar makers 1919-23, made at the Aero Works Fitzwilliam Street. An advert from "The Motorcycle" June 1922, boasts of Sheffield Hendersons record breaking. MR WD Marchant riding the firms 2.5hp ohv model claimed the 5+10 mile speed records in the 250cc class on the 15th of May. The advert proclaims the Sheffield Henderson as the sensation of the 1922 season! And the perfect mount for the sportsman! Plus it was guaranteed to exceed 70mph. All this could have been yours for £110 including a free high compression aluminium piston and race cam, plus quick delivery.

 

The picture below shows Earnest Searle at the 1922 TT on a Sheffield Henderson, he failed to finish in both the junior and senior races.

 

 

http://www.picturesheffield.com/cgi-bin/pi...ff.refno=u00286

 

 

The Neracar is the most successful of Sheffields Motorcycles (So successful Ive seen 3 this year!). Made at the Fitzwilliam works Tinsley, Picture Sheffield has many photo's on its website, and Kelham Island has 2 on display.

 

So thats all Ive got at the moment, lets see if we can add some more. And when I get organised I will add some pics too.

The link to the photograph doesn't seem to work. The photograph number u00286 corresponds to the one below but not sure if this is the photograph reffered to of Ernest Searle on his Sheffield Henderson. 

 https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;u00286&pos=7&action=zoom&id=35756

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Yes, its the right photo - you need https for addresses now, rather than just http (the s stands for "secure".)

Ernest Searle was stopped by a burst tyre at Ballacraine in lap one in the Junior TT and engine trouble did for him in the Senior (after doing 3 laps at over 50 mph).

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