LOT 53

Property of a deceased's estate 1920 Bradbury 499cc Registration no. AX 2548 (see text) Frame no. 64481 (see text) Engine no. 10423 (see text)

Sold for £9,200 inc. premium

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Lot 53

Property of a deceased's estate, 1920 Bradbury 499cc

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 12:52 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

Property of a deceased's estate
1920 Bradbury 499cc
Registration no. AX 2548 (see text)
Frame no. 64481 (see text)
Engine no. 10423 (see text)

Established in Oldham, Lancashire in 1852, Bradbury & Company Limited claimed to be the first manufacturer to build an 'All-British Motor Cycle and Tri-Car', its products having been ridden successfully as early as 1898. Although destined not to survive beyond 1925, Bradbury had amassed an impressive tally of awards and records prior to WWI. 'Speed and Reliability' were claimed as special qualities, and any machine which simultaneously held the 'English and Irish End to End Sidecar Records' - 'at record speed and without a single mechanical stoppage' - must have had a lot going for it.

This rare 3½hp Vintage-era Bradbury is powered by a single-cylinder sidevalve engine driving via a three-speed gearbox with all-chain drive. The lady vendor's late husband bought the Bradbury in 1963 in need of restoration (see photograph on Bonhams website). The machine was restored by Robin James of Leominster in the 1980s and all the related receipts are on file (inspection recommended). 'AX 2548' has been exhibited at numerous motorcycle shows including Stafford, but has not been run for the last five years due to the late owner's ill health. Our private vendor has decided that the time has come to sell.

It should be noted that the V5C/VE60 documentation records the frame number as '64402' and the engine number as '1285'. However, the actual frame number stamped on the machine is '64481', and the engine number is '10423'. Furthermore, 'AX 2548' is listed as a 'Broadbury' on the old/current V5/V5C, which is clearly a typographical error. Accordingly, although this motorcycle is offered with the aforementioned registration documents for the VRN 'AX 2548', and is recorded on the HPI/DVLA database, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the validity and status of its registration, as well as its history, authenticity, originality, completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Additional paperwork includes a quantity of expired tax discs and MoTs.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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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' 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.
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 Automobilia 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.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers 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.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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.
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