LOT 177 ¤Ω
1925 NUT 750cc V-Twin Sports Tourer Engine no. 2287
Sold for US$21,850 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 177¤,Ω
1925 NUT 750cc V-Twin Sports Tourer Engine no. 2287
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1925 NUT 750cc V-Twin Sports Tourer
Engine no. 2287
Engine no. 2287
• Top quality build and very, very scarce
• A courageous attempt at building one's own engine
• Aesthetically as pleasing as a 1925 motorcycle gets
Taking its initials from its Newcastle-upon-Tyne birthplace, the NUT was the brainchild of engineer Hugh Mason, who had had several machines built under other names before settling on NUT in 1912. Manufactured at first by Angus, Sanderson & Company in nearby Birtley, County Durham – an automobile manufacturer founded by Sir William Angus whose idea it was to mass-produce cars from bought in proprietary parts; it folded in 1927 having moved its factory close to London - the NUT was a stylish sports machine, almost always v-twin powered (sometimes smaller 2-stroke engines from Villiers) and easily distinguishable by its cylindrical fuel tank retained by two-nickel-plated bands. Mason's victory aboard a JAP-engined NUT in the 1913 Isle of Man Junior TT (the marque's solitary TT win) led to increased demand and an expansion of production on a new site before WWI intervened. The company underwent a succession of financial re-organizations and relocations in the 1920s – it was bankrupt by 1918, the end of WW1 to be re-opened in 1921 by a Robert Ellis as the Hugh Mason and Company, still to manufacture NUTs - its range continuing to consist mainly of JAP V-twin powered machines of various sizes before NUT's own 698cc V-twin engine arrived in 1924. This was a very brave move given the huge investment needed, their success record, and availability of quality proprietary engines from companies like JAP. Sadly, NUT succumbed to the Depression of the early 1930s, closing in 1933.
Quote from a period NUT company advertisement in The Motor Cycle: 'The engine has been designed specially by Mr. High Mason, the originator of the N.U.T. motorcycle. We are concentrating on the production of this one model, and making it, in the fullest sense, a motor cycle of unrivalled excellence.' The NUT brand used on the tank of the motorcycle carried no periods between the three letters but periods did sometimes appear in the company paperwork.
Finished in one of the company's 'nut' brown livery characteristic of the marque, this desirable NUT with its own brand V-twin motor, was fully restored a few years ago including the re-lacing of its wheels and new tire fitment. Note the Brooks saddle and the origin al spare parts book which comes with the bike. The bike starts easily and runs strongly. The seller, the owner of a small, private collection, reports that it shifts, steers and handles with aplomb and thus is a pleasure to ride, something he did late last year.
• A courageous attempt at building one's own engine
• Aesthetically as pleasing as a 1925 motorcycle gets
Taking its initials from its Newcastle-upon-Tyne birthplace, the NUT was the brainchild of engineer Hugh Mason, who had had several machines built under other names before settling on NUT in 1912. Manufactured at first by Angus, Sanderson & Company in nearby Birtley, County Durham – an automobile manufacturer founded by Sir William Angus whose idea it was to mass-produce cars from bought in proprietary parts; it folded in 1927 having moved its factory close to London - the NUT was a stylish sports machine, almost always v-twin powered (sometimes smaller 2-stroke engines from Villiers) and easily distinguishable by its cylindrical fuel tank retained by two-nickel-plated bands. Mason's victory aboard a JAP-engined NUT in the 1913 Isle of Man Junior TT (the marque's solitary TT win) led to increased demand and an expansion of production on a new site before WWI intervened. The company underwent a succession of financial re-organizations and relocations in the 1920s – it was bankrupt by 1918, the end of WW1 to be re-opened in 1921 by a Robert Ellis as the Hugh Mason and Company, still to manufacture NUTs - its range continuing to consist mainly of JAP V-twin powered machines of various sizes before NUT's own 698cc V-twin engine arrived in 1924. This was a very brave move given the huge investment needed, their success record, and availability of quality proprietary engines from companies like JAP. Sadly, NUT succumbed to the Depression of the early 1930s, closing in 1933.
Quote from a period NUT company advertisement in The Motor Cycle: 'The engine has been designed specially by Mr. High Mason, the originator of the N.U.T. motorcycle. We are concentrating on the production of this one model, and making it, in the fullest sense, a motor cycle of unrivalled excellence.' The NUT brand used on the tank of the motorcycle carried no periods between the three letters but periods did sometimes appear in the company paperwork.
Finished in one of the company's 'nut' brown livery characteristic of the marque, this desirable NUT with its own brand V-twin motor, was fully restored a few years ago including the re-lacing of its wheels and new tire fitment. Note the Brooks saddle and the origin al spare parts book which comes with the bike. The bike starts easily and runs strongly. The seller, the owner of a small, private collection, reports that it shifts, steers and handles with aplomb and thus is a pleasure to ride, something he did late last year.
Footnotes
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 frame number is 14. The engine number is B1100. Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Client Services (New York)
Client Services (San Francisco)
Client Services (Los Angeles)
Auction Viewings
- 22 January 2020, 09:00 - 18:00 PST
- 23 January 2020, 09:00 - 12:00 PST
Lot symbols
| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. | |
| Ω | Import Duty |
| Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. |
