help needed identifying a 1930-1940 british motorcycle

[camo]

Would really appreciate any help on identifying this motorcycle my dad had when he was young. All i know was about the 1940's - 50's and that it was british, check out the picture and tell me what you think.
cheers.

[rogerwilko]

A bit fuzzy, but my guess is an Ivory Calthorpe?

[R]

The logo on the tank clearly yells James.

That jutting forward primary case looks distinctive, but can't quite place it.
No doubt someone here will have chapter and verse on it.
Somewhere in the mid 1930s...(?)
Although if that is a front mounted magneto (or gennie), this could be a late 1920s bike (?)

Numberplate is Victorian (Australia), someone may be able to trace it.
Bike looks extremely new and shiny, and rider in his smartest too, great photo.

[R]

This 1933 would seem to be getting close
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n575/mkpooks3/2013/JULY%202013/Misc%201/R0198873_zps48abf73f.jpg

A year or 2 later may give the same tank decal, and more enclosed clutch cover ??

[33d6]

Yes, certainly a James but not quite clear enough to say exactly what model.

There is no possibility of tracing it through the numberplate. The numberplate was issued by the state and was only valid whilst the relevant registration/insurance fees were paid. If you let the registration lapse you had to hand the plates back and were issued with a new set when you paid to put your bike back on the road. Broadly the same system applies today. It's nothing for an old bike to have been issued with half a dozen or more numbers, all legitimate.

The majority of the old records were pulped upon computerisation but oddly enough a secondary system based on the engine number survives so some information is available---if you know the engine number.

Cheers,

[camo]

thanks fella's, i appreciate it.