Property of a deceased estate, 1931 BSA 986cc Model G31-12 'World Tour' Motorcycle Combination

• One of two originally owned and operated by Monmouth Constabulary
• Only two private owners from new
• Present ownership since the early 1970s
• An older restoration

The first motorcycles made by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in the early 1900s used proprietary engines such as the Belgian Minerva, and it was not until 1910 that the firm introduced a BSA-designed and built machine. The firm's first v-twin - the 770cc (6-7hp) Model E - appeared late in 1919 and would prove the forerunner of a long line of rugged and dependable 'sidecar tugs'. A larger, 986cc version debuted as the Model F in 1922 and would continue in production as the Model G, regularly revised and updated, until 1940, though changes made to the big v-twin during the 1930s were few compared with those made to BSA's singles.

This BSA Model G31-12 motorcycle combination was originally owned and operated by Monmouth Constabulary, having been purchased to meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Act, which called for the establishment of 'Motor Police Patrols' (see photographs on file). It is one of a pair of G31 outfits, which were the first motorcycles owned by the former Monmouth Constabulary.

'WO 5102' was used for only a couple of years before being sold to a serving police officer, PC Edward 'Ted' Jones of Llanfrynach, Brecon in 1933. When he had become too old to ride the outfit, Ted Jones sold it in the early 1970s to a friend of his: Ronald Denis Rees of Woodland Road Service Station, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, who is still the registered keeper (see hand-written history on file describing the machine as 99% original and un-restored when acquired). While owned by Mr Rees the BSA was restored in his workshops and on completion was loaned to the Gwent Police Force Museum. It is not known when the original engine ('Y12 409') was replaced with 'Y12 265'.

An older restoration, 'WO 5102' has occasionally participated in the VMCC's Banbury Run, picking up Gold Awards in 2003 and 2005. The machine has not been used for over a year but has been dry stored (the engine turns over). Recommissioning will be required before it returns to the road. Accompanying documentation includes an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1957): an original BSA parts list; and a V5C Registration Certificate.