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Identify these bikes! / Re: Please identify this motorbike
« Last post by R on Today at 12:21:51 AM »
So, we have twin petrol caps, a lucas headlamp with ammeter and switch on toppish, and a biggish looking sloper engine
(unless its a v-twin, which I'd doubt - doesn't look solid enough build).
Rear brake inside the rear sprocket.
And whats that circular object in front of the engine, below the horn ?
So its 1930s, and almost certainly British.

At first I'd plump for a Raleigh, but I think the headlamp is later.
Hmmm
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British Bikes / Re: Brooks toolboxes
« Last post by 33d6 on Today at 12:15:58 AM »
Also a long time ago I had a paper from the British Museum on leather restoration and conservation. I was surprised at how firmly they were against neatsfoot oil, saddle soap and various other common leather applications. Then again, one of the leather examples they were using was a Roman sandal retrieved from the Thames so seriously old stuff in pretty ropey condition.
I would seek advice from a decent saddlers or leather merchant. Here in Melbourne for example I’d go straight to Leflers the leather merchants. They really know their stuff.
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British Bikes / Re: Brooks toolboxes
« Last post by cardan on April 18, 2024, 11:52:58 PM »
I have an ancient bottle of Neatsfoot Oil that is designed for the purpose - after murdo's comments I checked to see what is was made from. Very far from vegetable oil! Don't look up where it comes from before you use it.

It certainly conditions the leather but makes it hard to polish afterwards, so use in moderation.

Leon
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British Bikes / Re: Brookes toolboxes
« Last post by murdo on April 17, 2024, 10:37:14 PM »
Many years ago I found some old boots of my late grandfathers that had dried up like your toolboxes and an older bike friend said to fill them with cheap vegetable oil from the supermarket. I did this and after a month or so they had swelled and softened up nicely. I left them to drain and filled with absorbent kitchen paper. Left in the summer sun they dried enough to polish with boot polish, and after all that they were too small for me to wear and I gave then to a cousin.  :(
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British Bikes / Re: Brookes toolboxes
« Last post by 33d6 on April 16, 2024, 07:35:36 AM »
They’re “honest person” locks. That is, they stop honest people being tempted or being nosy but are useless against thieves.   Easy to force open but this is immediately obvious to the casual eye. Thieves can’t just undo whatever it is, remove items and then close it up again so no one notices. Common on old luggage.
 
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British Bikes / Re: Brookes toolboxes
« Last post by R on April 16, 2024, 06:46:22 AM »
Interesting.
I think the 'locks' have been added.
(And if there is a key involved, it is absolutely tiny)

They are a perfect fit on an old Triumph.
And the purveyor of early Triumph parts sells Brookes replicas.
What these may have started out as ??

https://files.ekmcdn.com/wisedale123/images/toolboxes-veterans-brooks-2306-p.jpg


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Identify these bikes! / Re: Please identify this motorbike
« Last post by cardan on April 16, 2024, 06:18:52 AM »
My first thought with the twin filler caps was BSA C11, 1939-ish, but I can make out enough different bits and pieces to rule that out. Rear brake inside the back sprocket on the left, decent size front brake on the right, and I fancy I can see a full cradle frame under the engine joining the front down tube. Mmm... tricky. Much easier to identify a British bike from the timing side!

Leon
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British Bikes / Re: Brookes toolboxes
« Last post by 33d6 on April 16, 2024, 01:02:39 AM »
I think they might not be motorcycle. Such toolboxes were also used on various bits of Army equipment for example. Artillery pieces, searchlights and the like. They seem too sturdy for motorcycle use and most motorcycle boxes didn’t have locks, just buckles.
I like them and I’d certainly use them on a bike but I think they came from a more exotic source.
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Identify these bikes! / Re: Please identify this motorbike
« Last post by 33d6 on April 16, 2024, 12:37:51 AM »
That’s a tricky one isn’t it. A combination of Box Brownie lens and fashionable baggy trousers of the day neatly eliminate any recognition points.
I’d say mid-late 30’s with the twin filler caps hinting at a combined petrol and oil tank for a total loss lubrication system. That would cut it down a bit. Levis, Ok Supreme, Montgomery. Anything fitted with a JAP engine.
I hope someone knows. I can’t pick it.
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British Bikes / Re: Choice of tyre brand and size for 1970 Tiumph 650cc twin
« Last post by murdo on April 15, 2024, 11:16:37 PM »
Avon roadriders.
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