Can anyone ID this 1920's 30's bike ?

[Jonny The Goat]

hi, Can anyone ID this old bike from this photograph. The photo shows a friends Grandmother and they say it was taken in 1927 But I know where the photo was taken and I am sure the houses behind were not built to around 1932 so if the bike is post 1927 I am probably correct and they owe me a fiver Also would be good to let them know what my friends Grandfather was riding back then.
              Cheers, Jon

[sprocket-in-my-socket]

maybe Excelsior of around 1929?
Because muffler is on left side it is maybe the utility model (147 cc or 172 cc).
I think tank colour design was only shortly like it is shown here.

Regards,
Helmut

[mini-me]

If thats an MW reg then it ran July 1927-1931.

[Jonny The Goat]

Thanks sprocket, I think from looking you have nailed it. I did think maybe a Excelsior only because I have a old Excelsior Autobyk and it seems these were also only done in a black and white. As for the reg No, I have no idea how old reg No were worked outs so as said it looks like sometime between 27 and 31 and if the Excelsior was around 29 then the photo must be then or sometime after that. As long as its not 1927 then thats OK with me.  Cheers, Jon

[R]

The bike doesn't necessarily have been new when the pic was taken either.
Especially back in those years when times were tough, and money didn't grow on trees.

[33d6]

Definitely a 1929 Model 1 "Checquerboard" Excelsior. Excelsior only used that chequerboard style of side panel on the tank for the 1929 range. No other year.  I've had one occupying pride of place in my garage for years. Offered to me after a sudden death how could I refuse it? It's turned out to a little ripper and much, much better than I ever expected.
Excelsior won the 1929 Lightweight TT and it shows in the Model 1. It's a well designed little bike with none of the odd hiccups you find in many lightweights of the period.
It was also offered with an optional 172cc Villiers 'Sport' engine plus an optional three speed gearbox. Over the years I've almost accumulated enough bits to erect a second 'top of the range' Model 1 with both engine and gearbox options but have still to find a rear wheel. I want to avoid making one from scratch if I can.
Is there any chance of getting a copy of that photo Jonny? I already have a couple of period Model 1 photos and that one would be a nice addition.
Cheers,

[mini-me]

As for the reg No, I have no idea how old reg No were worked out

years ago I bought a handy little book "Where's it from,When was it issued".

 Give dates, place of reg,Its been invaluable over the years.

[Jonny The Goat]

Hi, Thanks for all the help with this. Looks like its all sorted as a 1929 excelsior. I will see about getting a copy of photo for you. Do you want a actual photo ? not got one of those done for a long time. I guess you have to send the original someplace or do you just want me to take the best quality photo of the original on my phone or Ipad and email it to you ? Cheers Jon