1913 Wall Auto-Wheel & Lady's Sparkbrook Cycle

Frame no. 3350 Engine no. 3350

Footnotes

● An older restoration
● Purchased in 1994
● One of the most affordable entries into the Pioneer Run

Motorised attachments for bicycles were first popularised in the Continent but even before The Great War there were one or two British examples, perhaps the best known being the Wall Auto-Wheel. The latter was the work of A W Wall, of Guildford, who offered a proper motorcycle of his own design during 1903/1904, which was later marketed under the 'Roc' name and produced in Birmingham. Wall's prototype Auto-Wheel 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, endowing the machine with a top speed of around 15mph on the flat ('light pedal assistance' was required to cope with ascents). Output totalled some 1,750 units in 1913 and 10,000 in 1914, 5,000 of which were produced by BSA, production continuing into the mid-1920s. Wall's advertisements listed HRH Prince George of Battenberg and HRH Prince Henry of Russia as satisfied customers.

An older restoration attached to a lady's Sparkbrook cycle, this example was purchased at a UK auction in December 1994. The auction catalogue page is on file and the machine also comes with a magazine article (in German) and an old UK V5 registration document. Notable features include a Wrights saddle and Lucas 'King of the Road' warning bell. It should be noted that the acetylene light's lens has been damaged.


Ancienne restauration installée sur une bicyclette pour dames Sparkbrook, cet exemplaire a été acquis dans une vente aux enchères au Royaume-Uni en décembre 1994.La page du catalogue est dans le dossier et la machine est accompagnée d'un article de magazine (en allemand) et d'un ancien document V5 émis au Royaume-Uni. On notera une selle Wrights et un timbre avertisseur Lucas « King of the Road ». Machine accessible pour participer au prestigieux Pioneer Run du Sunbeam Motorcycle Club, on remarquera que le verre de la lampe à acétylène a été endommagé.


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.