c.1917 Douglas 348cc

• From the estate of Bill and Mai Gocher of Elmstone, Kent; sold on behalf of the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary

The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry took up motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed, twin-cylinder engine, and the company would keep faith with this layout until it ceased motorcycle production in 1957. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity, and the design's virtues were soon demonstrated in competition, 2¾hp Douglas machines taking 1st, 2nd and 4th places in the 1912 Junior TT in the Isle of Man. Douglas were quick to realise the advantages of the countershaft gearbox; its three-speed entries gaining the Team Prize in the 1914 Six Days Trial, a conspicuous success that resulted in the firm obtaining a wartime contract for the supply of military machines. In military service during WWI the 2¾hp Douglas was used for solo despatch duties, while the 4hp model - introduced for 1915 - was used as a motorcycle combination.

Believed acquired by the late owner in November 1981, as indicated by the accompanying HPI report, this well presented 2¾hp (348cc) Douglas appears to have remained in their long-term ownership thereafter. The affixed tax disc expired in November 2013, which may be when the Douglas was last used on the road. The machine appears to have been restored, though it is not known whether the restoration was carried out during the most recent period of ownership or before its acquisition in 1981 (the engine turns over). Notable features include a P&H lighting set including front and rear lamps; an Amac Type 25E carburettor; and a C.A.V. magneto.

Accompanying the Douglas is the late owner's ownership and technical logbook, providing a brief record of its history while in his ownership. The logbook references four different engine numbers, identified therein as dating from 1915, 1917, 1920 (the presently fitted unit, number '44851'), and 1925, suggesting that the machine may have been powered by at least four different engines during its lifetime. The aforementioned logbook also references gearbox number '21367', identifying it as a two-speed unit.

It should be noted the accompanying V5C Registration Certificate records the engine number as '21566' and not '44851' as fitted now. The accompanying HPI report records the machine as having previously been registered overseas and notes its last date of registration in the United Kingdom as 25th October 1958.

Further discrepancies are evident within the registration documents. The front page of the V5C states 'Was registered and/or used. Declared manufactured 1915', while an internal page records a Date of First Registration of 15th November 1981.

Research suggests that frame number '32675' falls within the Douglas production range for 1917, while the replacement engine number '44851' is believed to correspond with the Douglas production range for approximately 1920. As noted above, the V5C continues to record engine number '21566'.

Accompanying documentation includes the following:

• V5C Registration Certificate
• Tax disc expiring November 2013 (affixed to the motorcycle)
• Photocopy 1913 Douglas Motorcycle Catalogue
• The aforementioned late owner's ownership and technical logbook
• London Douglas Owners' Club subscription tickets
• Various photocopied Douglas owner's and technical handbooks
• HPI Certificate

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 must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, compatibility of component parts, engine capacity, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. A handsome example of Douglas's 2¾hp model worthy of further inspection.

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