From the collection of noted collector, the late Ken Senior,, 1922 Blackburn 8hp Motorcycle Combination

• Rare marque
• Formerly part of the Lichfield Collection
• Present ownership since 2008
• Unused since purchase
• Requires recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent

Founded by brothers Cecil and Alec Burney, who had bought the rights to a motorcycle engine designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, Burney & Blackburne Ltd was based at Tongham near Farnham in Surrey, a far cry from the British motorcycle industry's Midlands home. The Blackburne company, which presumably took its name from the Burneys' financial backer, is best remembered as one of this country's foremost manufacturers of proprietary engines, which were supplied to numerous British and Continental brands. In an advertisement in The Motor Cycle of 29th December 1918, Blackburne's advertising for its 7-9hp v-twin cited '15 years experience' with that type of engine, which suggests the firm must have been around since at least 1904. Several Gold Medals achieved in the popular long-distance reliability trials of the day were listed as Blackburne successes.

In its earliest days the firm also built complete motorcycles, its sole offering in the years immediately prior to WWI being a 3½hp (499cc) sidevalve single. From 1920 an 8hp (999cc) v-twin was added to the range and at this time manufacture of Blackburne motorcycles was taken over by the Osborn Engineering Company (OEC) of Gosport, Hampshire, which in 1923 began marketing them under the 'OEC-Blackburne' name.

Equipped with Cowey '100mph' speedometer, Powell & Hanmer rear light and sprung pillion seat, this ultra-rare Blackburne motorcycle combination previously formed part of the Lichfield Collection for some 30-plus years. The late owner acquired the combination at Bonhams' Harrogate Sale in November 2008 (Lot 439) when properties from the Lichfield Collection were dispersed.

The old-style V5 records R E Aucott of Tamworth as being the owner from at least January 1974 (and until point of sale in 2008). The 1928 duplicate buff logbook records a James Edwards of Acton as being the owner in 1927 and records that 'CE 918' was licensed as a motorcycle combination. Only three owners are listed up to 1963 when entries cease. In 1929 the machine passes to Herbert Sedgwick of Totton Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey (he passes away in 1957). In 1963 ownership passes to Edmund Lance of Winterslow, Salisbury. The Blackburne has been unused since being purchased; offered in need of recommissioning and/or sympathetic restoration, it is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.