LOT 484
1911 Pierce 592cc Single Registration no. LF 2227 Frame no. 4447 Engine no. 4284
Sold for £74,750 inc. premium
Lot 484
1911 Pierce 592cc SingleRegistration no. LF 2227 Frame no. 4447 Engine no. 4284
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1911 Pierce 592cc Single
Registration no. LF 2227
Frame no. 4447
Engine no. 4284
Registration no. LF 2227
Frame no. 4447
Engine no. 4284
• Premier American marque
• Brought to the UK during WWI
• Known ownership history
• Present family ownership since 1996
• Pioneer Certificate
America's first four-cylinder motorcycle, the Pierce was manufactured by the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company at its factory in Buffalo, New York and was launched in 1909. It was not just its multi-cylinder engine that made the Pierce unusual; the frame too was novel, being constructed from 3½"-diameter steel tubes that housed fuel and oil, while final drive was by shaft. Early models employed direct drive, but from 1910 onwards a two-speed gearbox was standardised.
At the time of its motorcycle's launch in 1909, Pierce-Arrow was embarking on a policy of building luxury cars only, many of which would come to be regarded as among America's finest. This approach was reflected in the quality - and cost - of the Pierce motorcycle and would ultimately lead to its downfall. Priced at $325 in 1909, it cost $400 when production ceased in 1913, at which time the basic Ford Model T was priced at $525.
Alongside the four, Pierce offered a 592cc single-cylinder model from 1910, the sidevalve motor of which was redesigned with two-cam valve operation for 1912. A top speed of 55mph was claimed for the smaller Pierce, which was said to have the 'efficiency of a twin with the simplicity of single-cylinder construction'. Production ceased at the same time as that of the four.
This single-cylinder Pierce is a 1912 model with magneto ignition, a two-speed gearbox and belt final drive. The machine was brought to the UK by a serving Canadian soldier during WWI, left in an outbuilding and never collected. The Pierce was first registered in July 1922, its first recorded keeper being a Ronald Leslie Carpenter of Petersfield, Hampshire. There are two further keepers listed in the original old-style RF60 logbook, both residing in Petersfield, while there are three listed in the accompanying (copy) continuation logbook (issued 1950) one of whom is also listed in the original logbook. The accompanying Pioneer Certificate was issued to one Edwin Heward of Petersfield in January 1961. The Pierce was ridden on the Pioneer Run in 1961 and was displayed at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in September 1963. The current vendor's family has owned the Pierce since 1996.
An older restoration, which still presents very well, the machine has been stored for many years and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Pierce motorcycles are very rare and highly sought after nowadays, only infrequently turning up on the open market, making this one a not-to-be-missed opportunity for collectors.
• Brought to the UK during WWI
• Known ownership history
• Present family ownership since 1996
• Pioneer Certificate
America's first four-cylinder motorcycle, the Pierce was manufactured by the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company at its factory in Buffalo, New York and was launched in 1909. It was not just its multi-cylinder engine that made the Pierce unusual; the frame too was novel, being constructed from 3½"-diameter steel tubes that housed fuel and oil, while final drive was by shaft. Early models employed direct drive, but from 1910 onwards a two-speed gearbox was standardised.
At the time of its motorcycle's launch in 1909, Pierce-Arrow was embarking on a policy of building luxury cars only, many of which would come to be regarded as among America's finest. This approach was reflected in the quality - and cost - of the Pierce motorcycle and would ultimately lead to its downfall. Priced at $325 in 1909, it cost $400 when production ceased in 1913, at which time the basic Ford Model T was priced at $525.
Alongside the four, Pierce offered a 592cc single-cylinder model from 1910, the sidevalve motor of which was redesigned with two-cam valve operation for 1912. A top speed of 55mph was claimed for the smaller Pierce, which was said to have the 'efficiency of a twin with the simplicity of single-cylinder construction'. Production ceased at the same time as that of the four.
This single-cylinder Pierce is a 1912 model with magneto ignition, a two-speed gearbox and belt final drive. The machine was brought to the UK by a serving Canadian soldier during WWI, left in an outbuilding and never collected. The Pierce was first registered in July 1922, its first recorded keeper being a Ronald Leslie Carpenter of Petersfield, Hampshire. There are two further keepers listed in the original old-style RF60 logbook, both residing in Petersfield, while there are three listed in the accompanying (copy) continuation logbook (issued 1950) one of whom is also listed in the original logbook. The accompanying Pioneer Certificate was issued to one Edwin Heward of Petersfield in January 1961. The Pierce was ridden on the Pioneer Run in 1961 and was displayed at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in September 1963. The current vendor's family has owned the Pierce since 1996.
An older restoration, which still presents very well, the machine has been stored for many years and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Pierce motorcycles are very rare and highly sought after nowadays, only infrequently turning up on the open market, making this one a not-to-be-missed opportunity for collectors.
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
There is now an old V5C on file for this lot.
Additional information
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