LOT 533

1929 Norton 490cc Big Four/Model 18 Registration no. VE 5068 Frame no. 37317 Engine no. 46673 (see text)

Sold for £8,050 inc. premium

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Lot 533

1929 Norton 490cc Big Four/Model 18

Motorcycles Online - The Winter Sale|15 December 2025, 12:33 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1929 Norton 490cc Big Four/Model 18
Registration no. VE 5068
Frame no. 37317
Engine no. 46673 (see text)

Although not registered until 1931, this handsome vintage Norton is Banbury run eligible. According to the Norton factory records which are held by the VMCC, engine no. 46673 is from a 1930 Model 18 which was despatched in December 1929 to a dealer trading as Smith Stanton, and sold on to its first owner in Chippenham the following month. Meanwhile frame no. 37317 was originally part of a Big Four despatched to King and Harper in September1929. It seems that it sat on the showroom floor for well over a year, being finally purchased by W. H. Maher of Walthamstow in 1931.

Restored by the vendor, a time served motor engineer, it is now being offered for sale only because of his advancing years. In the course of the restoration, amongst other work, APL overhauled the magneto, Joe the carb overhauled the carburettor, and new valves and clutch plates were fitted. The vendor believes that this frame and engine pairing have been together for many decades. It is nice to see that the barrel is original to the engine, also being stamped 46673. Last started in July this year, the engine features the enclosed pushrods and rocker gear which were new for the 1930 model year. Please note that the accompanying V5C records the engine no. incorrectly as 46675.

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
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 Winter 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.
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