The First World War from 1914 to 1918 was vile. It was the war that should have ended war, so bloody was it particularly across an area of northern France that no one except the French really wanted. It just happened to be where the battle between Germany and England (with support from Empire nations) was fought.
Back then, radio comms were hardly working so to get messages between HQ and units in or around the front line needed couriers. And that’s where the newly invented motorcycle came in. Thousands of, mostly, Triumph and Douglas British motorcycles were ordered and used in service – more than 70,000.
Most were destroyed, cannibalised, stolen, whatever – the fog of war.
But there are a few survivors and coming up on auction at Shuttleworth on 30 July is a 1913 Douglas 350. Imagine that. A 110-year-old motorcycle. And the estimated guide price is not outrageous: just £10,000 to £12,000 (plus buyer’s premium and VAT).
It bears the registration DS 9646 but – so far – there’s little other history and provenance to report. I’m trying to find out more, such as whether it was active during WWI or what.
Douglas Motorcycles were based in Bristol and produced bikes between 1907 and 1957, and were famous for opposed twin engine designs.
The auctioneer says, “This pre WW1 350cc example is presented in older restored condition. [It] Formed part of a private collection for the last few years so may require recommissioning before use. Eligible no for the Pioneer Run but no Pioneer Certificate included. UK-registered on a current V5C.”
The auction is the Shuttleworth Motorcycle Sale, located at Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP on Sunday 30 July. Classic and contemporary motorcycles will be offered for sale in the historic hangers of this working aeronautical and automotive visitor attraction. Viewing and inspections of the motorcycles can be carried out on Saturday 29 July between 10am – 5pm.
More info as we discover it.
