c.1916 Radco 211cc

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

Makers of proprietary components for bicycles, E A Radnall & Co of Birmingham commenced manufacture of Radco motorcycles before WW1, using their own engines and those of proprietary suppliers Villiers and JAP. This 2¼hp model is powered by Radco's own 211cc two-stroke engine and was first made available in 1911 in single-speed form. The limitations of this form of transmission were all too obvious (the rider had to stop and push-start the machine every time it had to come to a halt) and a two-speed model was available from 1914. It is believed that only a handful of these early Radcos survive: two in the UK and two in Australia.

An exceptionally rare Vintage-era Radco, this example is accompanied by an interesting file of historical documentation and correspondence charting its ownership, restoration and use during the latter part of its life. Issued for the registration number 'BH 3897', the affixed tax disc expired in February 2003 and is understood to relate to a 1914 Sun motorcycle. Notable features include a Lucas No.344 rear lamp; P&H No.120 headlamp; Brooks saddle; cast footboards marked 'Regd. 035136'; and an Albion gearbox stamped 'Z997' (possibly '7997').

The accompanying HPI report records the machine as a 1916 211cc Radco, describing it as a 'Scooter Combination'. The report further notes overseas registration history and a date of first registration in the UK of 29th January 1923, this being shortly after the introduction of the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each. (Many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing). The HPI also notes commencement of the current keeper's ownership on 21st April 2016 and two former keepers.

The current V5C Registration Certificate records the machine as having been manufactured in 1916. The document lists a first registration date of 29th January 1923 and shows the late owner as having acquired the motorcycle on 21st April 2016. Also included is a duplicate continuation logbook, first stamped in 1976, recording ownership by a Mr George of Abingdon, Oxfordshire during that year, followed by a Mr Matthews of Kennington, Oxford. There is a quantity of correspondence accumulated during Mr Matthews' ownership; extracts include the following:

"This example was originally a single-speed model, which meant you had to kill the engine, then push-start it every time you needed to stop. I rebuilt this bike in 2002, and completed The Banbury on it, but found it nearly impossible to ride, so the clutch/gearbox was added during the winter of 2002, not too far from standard, as a 2-speed model was available from 1914, and I can now ride it in modern traffic.

"As can be seen from the photo, it was in a poor state, most of the 'big bits' were there, what was missing, I had to make. All the paintwork and most nickel plating were done by me, only the handlebars were too big for my tank."

Further correspondence includes a 2016 letter from a previous owner in Reading, Berkshire, discussing the potential sale of both a Radco and an OK Precision. The accompanying history file also includes the following:

• undated VMCC correspondence relating to an application to register 'AE 7940'
• A 2007 Sunbeam Motorcycle Club application, subsequently deemed too late to qualify for a Pioneer Certificate
• Various technical and research materials
• An earlier V5C showing ownership by Mr Matthews, who acquired the machine on 27th August 1993
• Pre-restoration photographs
• Current V5C Registration 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 is therefore offered strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). 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.

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