LOT 7

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

Estimate: £5,000 - £7,000

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 7

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

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|24 June 2024, 12:06 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

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. By the late 1930s, the rear springing was standard and the duplex steering optional. JAP and Matchless engines were used towards the middle of the decade, then AJS engines from early 1937 onwards.

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). A new V5C document has been applied for.
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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles
To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

Saleroom notices

Please note this lot is offered with a V5C

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers, Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Motorcycles (Lots 1-63) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
For Memorabilia/Automobilia and Spares (Lots 101-221) the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles