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If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.

The first motorcycles made by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in the early 1900s used proprietary engines such as the Belgian Minerva, and it was not until 1910 that the firm introduced a BSA-designed and built machine. The first model to feature the marque's distinctive green and cream tank colours was a 499cc (3½hp) sidevalve single, soon complemented by a 557cc (4¼hp) long-stroke version, built initially with single-speed belt-drive transmission and later with a three-speed countershaft gearbox in the case of the Model K, to which the Model H added chain final drive. BSA continued to offer a comprehensive range of sidevalve models in all capacities well into the 1930s, despite the introduction of more modern overhead-valve machines such as the 'Sloper'. Around the time this example was manufactured, BSA began referring to its 500cc models as '4.93hp', arriving at that figure not by the more commonplace RAC method, but by that of the A-CU, which equated one horsepower with 100cc.

According to the vendor, this BSA had remained within the Maye family from the early 1930s until 2012, when it was gifted to him by Mrs Maye, whom he had known throughout his life and who had also been his nanny. Mrs Maye, who lived at 40 Kiln Road, Fareham, Hampshire, reportedly learned to ride the motorcycle in her early twenties and continued riding motorcycles into her late fifties. Born in October 1912, she worked for the vendor's family for approximately 45 years as nanny and housekeeper. The vendor has kept the motorcycle in Australia since 2014, having promised Mrs Maye that, should he ever decide to sell it, he would do so in the UK. The motorcycle is understood to have passed through the Maye family, with her husband, William Albert Maye, believed to have been its third owner, having reportedly acquired it from his father, who in turn is said to have purchased it from a previous owner in Gosport. The BSA has been carefully conserved rather than restored and reportedly was running well when last used in 2021.

There are remnants of the Portsmouth registration 'OT 596' visible on the number plate; however, this does not appear in either the DVLA or HPI databases. Offered without documentation, it has not been possible at this stage to conclusively link the registration to the motorcycle. The machine is fitted with a full P&H acetylene lighting set, and we note that the cylinder barrel is stamped 'J234'.

A wonderfully original and evidently well cared-for machine, made particularly appealing by its long-term family association, unusual personal provenance, and highly conserved, largely untouched condition. The engine turns over with compression. No key required.

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.
Key not required