Excelsior UK 1929 (?) 350cc OHV

[PaulBurton]

Hi I have finally tracked down the frame number on this machine. It is DG2638. Can anyone help decipher this and in particular does it confirm the year of manufacture?

[33d6]

Hi Paul,
So pleased you found a frame number. I've looked through the VMCC Register to no avail. The only machines I can find with a D prefix are all 1934 as one would expect as that was the year code for 1934 plus one 1926 350 JAP powered machine with a D prefix frame number but nothing with DG. As I've written in the past, Excelsior are effortless to identify from 1931 onwards but not so in the vintage years and the VMCC Register is about the only lead we have.

DG is not a 1934 number as the Excelsior code ran  year letter/ model number / frame number so for 1934 my Model 1 would be D1 ****.

May I ask whereabouts on the frame you found the number? The two numbered Model 1 frames in my possession have the number stamped on the upper left side of the front down tube. Each have an L prefix. These are fitted with 1929 forks whereas the other unnumbered two have the pressed steel forks introduced in 1930. It would be useful to know where you finally found the frame number.

Excelsior frame numbers of the 1920's continue to be a mystery and so far the VMCC marque specialist remains silent on the matter. He didn't reply to my letter anyway.

Cheers,

[PaulBurton]

Many thanks for your reply and thoughts - all reassuring! My concern is that the 'D' prefix might lead the VMCC inspector to conclude this is a 1934 machine! This is (in my view) impossible since the original registration is from 1929, as is the JAP engine (I0Y/S 54073HJ) on top of which I have the 2nd hand sale receipt from 1931 (see attached copy). Well, let's see what he comes up with!
The attached picture indicates the position of the frame number, right in front of the petrol tank on the LHS, just about where you describe for the two you have. How did I miss it before!!
Thanks again!

[33d6]

I can well understand your fear. But then again I think with the paperwork you have plus if you get a copy of the 1929 Excelsior catalogue showing your machine you should be okay. I would even consider a browse through the VMCC Register cards held at head office. The Register was last printed in the 1990's so does not contain info on further bikes registered since then. You may find extra info that's not yet seen the light of day.
Finally, you may have more luck with the marque specialist than I did. I sent the traditional self addressed envelope as required but being in Australia had to substitute an International Reply Coupon for the required postage stamp. It wouldn't be the first time someone in the UK has fallen in a heap at the thought of exchanging the coupon for a stamp. The IRC concept may have originated in the UK but it's frustrating how few of their Post Offices seem to know what they are. Luckily the internet has got around all that except for the odd occasion when only a letter will do.

Last, last thing. There are no 350 ohv JAP engined machines in the 1934 catalogue so a copy of that might also help.

Cheers,

[PaulBurton]

Thanks again for your most helpful input and comments. The machine was inspected over the weekend and so it rests with our friend the marque specialist at VMCC.

I will follow up your suggestion of referring to the VMCC Register - something to do on one of our wet winter days!

As you say, the Excelsior catalogues give useful indicators as to what was being offered by them each year. The 1929 and 1930 cats clearly show the 350cc OHV bikes. I do not have the 1934 catalogue so your observation on the absence of 350 OHV in that edition is useful additional ammo.

That's pretty shabby not getting a response from the specialist. How long ago was this? You could alway repeat andI could maybe get some UK stamps over to you?

Thanks again and I'll let you know what comes back to me on the Excelsior from VMCC.