LOT 102

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter Frame no. 25452 Engine no. 7170/4

Sold for US$4,140 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 102

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter
Frame no. 25452 Engine no. 7170/4

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter
Frame no. 25452
Engine no. 7170/4

Despite its innocuous name and unintimidating appearance, the Indian Papoose – complete with 98cc, air-cooled single - actually started out as an instrument of war, and a clandestine one at that! In the early days of World War 2, the UK's Special Operations Executive, charged with supporting resistance cells throughout occupied Europe, called for development of a lightweight motorcycle that could be air-dropped with an operative behind enemy lines. The work was farmed out to a secret SOE facility, codename Station IX, in the town of Welwyn just north of London. By happy circumstance Station IX was commanded by Lt. Colonel John Dolphin, an experienced rider, and among the staff was Harry Lester, a former race bike engineer.

The Corgi's emigration to America was more by coincidence than any great marketing strategy. Brockhouse Engineering of Southport, on the northwest coast of England, manufactured the bikes for Corgi – the same Brockhouse that by 1951 had purchased the rights to Indian and was looking to broaden the model line. Which is how the Welbike became the Corgi became the Papoose complete with unique decals along with an 'Indian-brand' repaint. Some 27,000 were built before production ceased in 1954.

This scooter comes 'as-is' and will require recommissioning with the option of a full restoration before operating again; noted are the incorrect handlebar grips and the wheel rim color. Once restored, the Papoose will be an excellent little machine that can be ridden and displayed just about anywhere 'not too far from home.'

Footnotes

Offered on a Bill of Sale

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number stamp cannot be located.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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Buyers' Premium and Charges
PLEASE NOTE: THE BUYER'S PREMIUM FOR THIS AUCTION IS AS FOLLOWS:
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Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
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4 October 2019, 08:30 - 17:00 CDT
5 October 2019, 08:30 - 11:30 CDT

£3,400 - £4,400

United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter Frame no. 25452 Engine no. 7170/4

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding ScooterFrame no. 25452Engine no. 7170/4

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1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter
Frame no. 25452 Engine no. 7170/4

1954 Indian 98cc Papoose Folding Scooter
Frame no. 25452
Engine no. 7170/4