–JdK– I’ve at all times questioned what the historical past of my bikes is so at any time when I see outdated images I search for one thing acquainted. This picture (from TwistGrip) was taken on the seventh of Could 1950 and these are members of the Moto Membership Châtillonnais. The picture was taken in Chartres, a small city near Paris.
The picture caught my consideration for 2 causes: the image was taken in France and it accommodates just a few attention-grabbing Nortons, one most likely an Inter however the different one additionally considerably particular because of the chrome plated tank and what seems to be a bigger entrance wheel.
I have a 1936 Mannequin CJ Norton with a chrome plated tank and a 20″ entrance wheel that was bought by agent Psalty in Paris, see the seller plate on the quantity plate above. The picture’s under have been taken in February 2013 by the French seller from whom I purchased the machine.
The motorbike was fairly unique so I left the paint alone as a lot as attainable however what I did do was take away two massive flat bolts that lined two holes within the left hand facet of the entrance mudguard. I used some weld to shut the holes however it’s nonetheless seen. I’ve no clue what the holes have been used for and I’ve by no means seen holes at this place earlier than. So I used to be fairly shocked that the Norton on this picture additionally has what look like two bolts at precisely the identical place!
If you look extra fastidiously there are extra similarities, most notably a scratch within the black lining of the tank and I’ve highlighted the similarities within the picture’s under. On the left you see the bike within the picture made by the seller, within the different picture after I purchased the bike in 2013.
Do keep in mind that after I purchased the bike somebody had fitted the 20″ wheel at rear and the 19″ wheel in entrance which I corrected once more. Additionally after 1950 somebody fitted a unique headlight, a speedo and a brake plate with a speedo drive. And sure, after I purchased the bike it had one other registration however there may be one other quantity lurking beneath and I ought to take away the paint to substantiate.
I am already fairly satisfied because the probabilities of discovering one other motorbike, in France, near Paris with these two plugged holes within the mudguard at precisely this place and the scratch within the black line with precisely that form should be near zero.
Additionally fascinating that the earlier proprietor of my bike can also be on this picture; I believe it is the chap sporting the helmet, third from proper!
