c.1913 OK Precision 4¼hp 598cc project

• Very rare machine
• Exciting unfinished project
• Original early registration number

In April 1912 "Motor Cycling" wrote: "The name of Humphries and Dawes, of Birmingham, has not been hitherto prominently before private purchasers for the reason that their output has been absorbed in trade quarters. The O.K. motor-bicycles, of which they are the makers, are, however well-built machines, with which they have now entered the retail trade. They have placed three models of 4¼hp, 3¾hp, and 2½hp upon the market. The standard change-speed gears employed by them are the Armstrong, Bowden countershaft, Albion, and Sturmey-Archer, although any specified make desired can be incorporated to order. All models are Precision engined...."

Frank Baker, originally from Poole in Dorset, established the Precision engine concern in 1906 after studying production engineering in the USA. Initially making bicycle components, Precision built their first motorcycle engines in 1910. This proved extremely successful, and only one year later no fewer than 96 different machines at the 1911 Olympia show were fitted with Precision engines.

OK continued trading until 1926 when the partners went their separate ways. Ernie Humphries started his new OK Supreme operation, while Charles Dawes concentrated on bicycle production. Meanwhile their Hall Green factory was taken over by Veloce who were looking for more manufacturing capacity following their runaway win in the 1926 Junior TT.

In 2007 the late Howard German, lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and hugely successful racer, bought this OK Precision in a dismantled state from the son of its previous owner. It had been stripped down 27 years previously, and the components stored in a dry loft, but the then owner died before commencing re-assembly. Howard conducted a massive amount of research, and made considerable progress with the rebuild, but very sadly he also passed away before he was able to finish it. This exciting OK project is now offered for sale for someone else to complete and enjoy.

Please note that the OK was photographed without the two speed gear, but the gear is included as part of this project, and there are separate photos of it on our website. It has been identified as a P&M unit, and we understand that it has been overhauled at considerable expense by recognized specialist Kevin Hellowell.

The AD series of registration numbers were issued in Gloucestershire, and fortunately the records still exist. Four pages of photocopies of the original ledgers are supplied which show that the OK was originally registered to William Henry Trounce Hearle of Little Washbourne near Tewkesbury on March 26th 1913. AD 3004 is also accompanied by a V5C and a substantial history/research file.

Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the project's completeness, authenticity, and mechanical condition prior to bidding. No keys are supplied. Sold strictly as viewed.