LOT 505

1914 Wall Auto-Wheel & Gentleman's BSA Cycle & Tricycle Registration no. HO 3486 Frame no. 031176 Engine no. 42793

Estimate: £4,500 - £5,500

Lot 505

1914 Wall Auto-Wheel & Gentleman's BSA Cycle & Tricycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1914 Wall Auto-Wheel & Gentleman's BSA Cycle & Tricycle
Registration no. HO 3486
Frame no. 031176
Engine no. 42793

Motorised attachments for bicycles were first popularised on the Continent, while in Britain the best known was the Wall Auto-Wheel. Arthur William Wall's prototype appeared around 1909 and the first production version in 1912. Powered by a 118cc four-stroke engine, the Wall Auto-Wheel was mounted in its own tubular frame, complete with fuel tank, and fitted alongside the bicycle's rear wheel. Top speed on the flat was around 15mph ('light pedal assistance' was required on ascents).

Restored at date unknown, this example comes with a period tricycle (for restoration) that can be attached to the Wall Auto-Wheel if required. Registration documents on file show that the previous keeper, the renowned motorcycle collector Mr Michael Sherwin, owned the Auto-Wheel from December 1976 until our vendor purchased it in 2004. The machine last ran in 2020.

The date of first registration recorded in the registration documents is 4th February 1921, this being shortly after the introduction of the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each. (Many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing). The accompanying Pioneer Certificate records the year of manufacture as 1914 (note the clerical error regarding the registration number). Arguably the most affordable means of entry into the Pioneer Run, the machine also comes with some photocopied marque-related literature.

Footnotes

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.

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