This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.
If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.

The 1901 Werner is generally acknowledged as the first powered two-wheeler to carry its engine in the frame where the bicycle's bottom bracket and pedalling gear had been located, and thus is credited as the progenitor of the modern motorcycle. In actual fact, Gottlieb Daimler's Einspur prototype of 1884 had mounted its engine in the same position, as had various other manufacturers prior to Werner. The latter though, was the only firm with the foresight to patent the idea.

Paris-based Russian émigrés Michel and Eugene Werner had built their first motorcycle in 1896 by the simple expedient of mounting a single-cylinder petrol engine, designed by Hippolyte Labitte, in front of the steering head of a bicycle, directly above the front wheel, which it drove via a belt. One of the first practical motorcycles, the Werner Motocyclette proved an immediate success and the brothers abandoned their cinematograph business to set up a factory to build it. Harry J Lawson acquired the British rights to the design and in 1900 Werner sold a staggering 1,000 machines. The Werner, however, was not without its shortcomings, not the least of which was the dreaded 'sideslip', a consequence of the design's high centre of gravity, whereupon the hot tube ignition would cause the fallen machine to catch fire. It is not difficult to imagine what an immense step forward the Werners' 1901 design must have seemed.

Despite the presence of (modern) paperwork stating that this Werner was first registered in 1901, it is in fact believed to date from 1902. Lettering on the numberplate suggests that it may be a 'Paris-Vienna' model; this too is incorrect, as they were not made until the following year. That said, the machine appears to retain nearly all of its original-looking, period fittings, including a Lucas Number 43 headlamp and bulb horn; the belt-tensioning pulley is a later addition.

Offered from a private collection in Amsterdam, this early Werner was first registered in the Netherlands on 30th January 1986 and comes with the relevant registration document. It has been continuously registered in the Netherlands since 1986 but its previous ownership is not documented. According to paperwork on file: "The vehicle underwent a full restoration in the Netherlands. The motorcycle was disassembled, all original mechanical components were inspected, cleaned and overhauled, and the vehicle was reassembled using its own original parts throughout. No reproduction or substitute parts were introduced where possible.

"The machine retains its characteristic cream clincher tyres, black-enamelled loop frame, leather saddle, acetylene lighting equipment, and the distinctive Werner script badge on the front mudguard." The vendor concludes: "The machine presents in preserved condition consistent with its age and provenance."

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 (the engine turns over with compression). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered with a recent Netherlands registration document (issued December 2021).
Key not required