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LOT 235

Property of a deceased's estate 1940 OEC 350/500cc Commodore (see text) Registration no. CKG 53 Frame no. 2000 Engine no. 47/G3L 4646

Sold for £4,830 inc. premium
Lot 235

Property of a deceased's estate, 1940 OEC 350/500cc Commodore (see text)

Property of a deceased's estate
1940 OEC 350/500cc Commodore (see text)
Registration no. CKG 53
Frame no. 2000
Engine no. 47/G3L 4646

Best remembered for its curious 'duplex' form of steering gear and Claude Temple's record-breaking exploits on the mighty OEC-Temple-Anzani, the Osborn Engineering Company commenced motorcycle manufacture in 1914. The Gosport-based firm began by making motorcycles under contract to engine manufacturer Blackburne before marketing machines under its own name from 1920. OEC also made its own engines under the 'Atlanta' name but mainly relied on proprietary power units from JAP. As well as the patented duplex steering, introduced in 1927, the firm offered rear springing from 1929. An option at first, this looked like a 'plunger' arrangement but in fact used a pivoted fork.
The company's top-of-the-range sports model, this rare OEC Commodore was first registered on 8th July 1940 a '500', but has since been fitted with a replacement Matchless G3L 350cc engine dating from 1947. However, it has not proved possible to determine the actual engine capacity with any certainty. Accompanying documentation consists of an old-type V5C and a continuation buff logbook from 1959 issued by the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council and listing the following owners:

Fred Sunderland, Knottingley (1959)
Edwin Ward, Pontefract (1959)
Alan Senior, Dewsbury (1960)
George Nixon, Wakefield (unknown)
The vendor's late brother (1978)

Apparently not used for some time, the machine will require re-commissioning or more extensive restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Offered with a V5C.
Key not required

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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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note the V5C still lists the previous engine fitted, opposed to number 47/G3L 4646 fitted.

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  • 12 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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