The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1912 New Crescent 624cc Combination

• Believed to be the sole surviving example of this obscure marque
• Used by multi-World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin to take the late Captain Sir Tom Moore for a ride

Believed to be the sole surviving example of this obscure marque, the New Crescent represents a rare survivor from Britain's pioneering motorcycling era. Dating from circa 1912, it combines outstanding originality and patina with a fascinating history.
Research has established that the machine was manufactured by Arthur Richardson of 185 Shaftesbury Crescent, Derby, from whence the name 'New Crescent' derives. Richardson's career neatly illustrates the transition from cycle building to the motor trade: recorded in the 1901 Census as a cycle builder (aged 23), by 1911 he was listed as a motor and cycle mechanic, by 1921 as a motor engineer and manager at the Unity Motor Garage, Burton Road, Derby, and by 1939 as a motor garage manager in Repton.

The earliest known documentary evidence is a photocopy of its Pioneer Certificate (No. 207), issued in May 1954 to then-owner Mr J. G. E. Salmon of Shepshed, Leicestershire. This noted that "the machine in its present condition may differ in minor respects from the maker's original specification." At that time it was registered 'R 707', a Derbyshire-issued number. The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club's Pioneer Register records that the New Crescent was bought new on 11 July 1912 by Mr R. A. E. Hawksworth, who used it until leaving for active service in the First World War. Returning disabled, Hawksworth stored the machine in a bedroom, where it remained until 1952 when it passed to his brother-in-law, from whom Salmon acquired it.
Hawksworth was Albert Edwin Hawksworth of 26 Clarence Road, Derby. A joiner and cabinet maker by trade, he later became an instructor and lecturer in cabinet making. He died in May 1951, which aligns with Salmon's subsequent purchase of the machine.

Later history records that it passed to John Bryan Lewis of Ledstock, Ledbury, in 1978 (then registered as '5227 DG'), and subsequently to Sweden, where it had three further owners. It was also entered for Sotheby's Donington sale of 21 April 1979 (Lot 5), at which time it was confirmed by Pioneer Certificate as dating from 1912. In Sweden it was enthusiastically rallied by Björn Andersson, who owned it for 11 years prior to its acquisition by Bernt Lindström, the vendor at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale in 2007, where Robert purchased it.

Typical of the period, the New Crescent is powered by a Precision 624cc single-cylinder sidevalve engine, with a Brown & Barlow carburettor, magneto ignition, acetylene lighting, and belt drive to a three-speed Armstrong rear hub. The attached wicker sidecar is believed to be of Crescent manufacture.

In 2020 the New Crescent gained national attention on BBC television when Robert loaned it for multi-World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin to take the late Captain Sir Tom Moore for a ride, after he had celebrated his 100th birthday by raising £32.79 million for the NHS. "Besides being a wonderful bloke, it turned out Captain Tom was a true blue biker," said Robert. "He was an avid motorcyclist who used to race when he was young, and he was really interested in this outfit, and asked all the right questions." Reflecting on the machine itself, Robert observed: "It's from a largely unknown maker, because at that time entrepreneurialism was rampant in this new-born industry – anybody who wanted to have a go at manufacturing motorcycles, could. With any motorbike, I'm fascinated about the engineering side, but especially the people side of it – that's what really interests me."

Offered with the machine are two old tax discs dating from 1971 and 1972; several Polaroid images from the 1970s; an image believed to be of the machine on the Pioneer Run (date unknown); a V5C; old style V5C; photocopy of the Pioneer Certificate (No. 207); 2008 Pioneer Certificate No 317; old MoTs; and a number of Swedish newspaper cuttings showing it being actively campaigned.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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