Description
This motorcycle is Lot 221 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
The David Plant Collection
** 1912 Elswick 500cc**
Registration no. SV 6462
Frame no. 1608Y
Engine no. 8153B
Recorded as manufacturers of the Elswick bicycle as far back as the early 1890s, W Newton & Co became the Elswick Cycle Company some time thereafter, establishing themselves at Barton-on-Humber in premises shared with F Hopper & Co, another cycle maker. Motorcycle manufacture is thought to have commenced around 1903, using Precision proprietary engines, and continued until 1920.
The Elswick offered here is an older restoration, the unfinished fuel tank being painted in solid green but with no decals or lining. The engine number '8153' is stamped on both sides of the crankcase with 'FEB' cast into the right-hand crankcase. ('FEB' stands for F E Baker, maker of Precision engines.) There are photographs on file showing the machine as found, together with further images showing remnants of the original registration number ending '099'. Also on file are sketches showing the correct frame lining details, together with the relevant colour codes. Further documentation includes a photocopy of an Elswick brochure; a copy of the potted history of Barton-on-Humber motorcycles by Nigel Land; and a copy of an application to register the vehicle, on which the registration number is shown as 'J 1099'. An MoT certificate dated January 1997 is present also, again showing the registration 'J 1099'. The current age-related registration dates from 1997.
The machine is offered with a Pioneer Certificate dated 5th February 1997, confirming the year of manufacture as 1913. Offered with old/ current V5/ V5C documents. The engine turns over.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required
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.
