The David Plant Collection, 1913 Edwards 'King of the Road'

This Veteran motorcycle is a rare 'King Of The Road', believed manufactured by the Liverpool firm of firm named Edwards. The history file contains extensive correspondence relating to the identification and history of the machine. A letter on file addressed to Stan Greenway from Terry Armoon discusses the Precision engine fitted to the motorcycle. Further correspondence includes a letter from the Liverpool City Librarian responding to an enquiry regarding Edwards, the manufacturer believed to have produced this machine.

The librarian reports that no books or articles relating to Edwards could be located in the library's catalogue or indexes, and that no trade catalogues for the firm are held. However, Liverpool directories record a James Edwards, cycle maker, first appearing in the 1908 edition at 464 Rice Lane. By 1912 the business had become J Edwards & Son, cycle makers, at 462 Rice Lane, remaining at that address. The final directory entry describing the business as cycle makers appears in 1932. From 1933 until 1958 the description changes to motor garage, with the final record of the firm appearing in the 1959 telephone directory. The library also holds a 1928 photograph of Rice Lane showing the Edwards premises, a copy of which is included in the history file.

Additional correspondence is on file between the vendor and Nigel Land, discussing similarities between this motorcycle and an Elswick machine owned by the vendor (in this sale also). In the correspondence the vendor notes that both machines share several distinctive features, including a sharp kink in the top tube near the saddle, similar frame construction around the pedalling gear, and Precision engines, suggesting that the machines may be related. The vendor speculates that Elswick may have supplied kits of parts, or that the machine may in fact be an Elswick or Torpedo product.

Further correspondence includes a letter from Bob Curry of The Classic MotorCycle addressed to Stan Greenway. Enclosed with the letter are photocopies relating to the Precision engine, including an advertisement from the 1911 edition of The Motor Cycle. Curry notes that searches through the 1911 and 1912 issues of the magazine produced no reference to Edwards or King of the Road, suggesting the make may have only sold its products locally. He recommends searching Kelly's directories for further information. The file also contains photocopy images of the motorcycle as found and dismantled.

Additional correspondence from John Waghorn, former Pioneer Registrar of the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club, addressed to Nigel Land, includes a 1903 Hopper Torpedo catalogue and information relating to Elswick and Torpedo machines listed in the register, including frame number '1608Y' (1913) corresponding to another machine in the collection.

Further letters between the vendor and Nigel Land discuss the discovery of an Elswick motorcycle acquired approximately 30 years earlier as part of a cache of old motorcycle parts and incomplete machines. The Elswick was later restored by a friend on the Isle of Man before being returned to the vendor. The vendor subsequently acquired another derelict machine bearing a 'King of the Road' transfer and noted the strong similarities between the two machines, particularly the distinctive frame.

Nigel Land's reply suggests that the machine is likely a 1913 Elswick touring model, explaining that Hopper operated two trading brands – Torpedo for trade sales and Elswick for direct sales – after acquiring the Elswick name and assets in 1910 following the firm's collapse. A six-page history of Barton-on-Humber motorcycles by Nigel Land is included in the file.

Also present is a letter on Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club headed paper from John Waghorn confirming that, following a Pioneer Dating Committee meeting, the motorcycle had been added to the club's Pioneer Register as a 'King of the Road', with the year of manufacture assessed as 1913. The file further includes a detailed drawing of the 'King of the Road' transfer, incorporating the Edwards, Rice Lane, Liverpool insignia.

The machine has been in the process of restoration, repairs having been made to the frame, and requires a complete restoration. The engine stamped on both sides '8666' while right-hand crankcase is also stamped 'CS'. An Armstrong three-speed rear hub is fitted but there is no drive belt. The front mudguard is in bare metal while rear mudguard is painted in primer. No controls are fitted. It should also be noted that there is no registration document with this |Lot.

The file includes photocopies of period material, including:

Paperwork relating to the Armstrong three-speed motor gear hub

An advertisement for the Torpedo motorcycle set

A 1922 advertisement for F Hopper & Co of Barton-on-Humber, proprietors of the Elswick-Hopper Cycle & Motor Co.

A page detailing the specification of the 3½hp Touring Torpedo model

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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