Can you identify this bike?

[nicobiko]

Hello all,

I've been riding Japanese bikes since I was a teenager and I've discovered more recently that my grandfather used to own what I presume is a British bike.

I would be chuffed if someone could tell me what brand and model the bike in this photo might be. It's from around the late 1930's.

Thanks, Nicholas.

[Rex]

Looks like a Villiers engine, but why are the people wearing black boxes on their heads?

[DM]

Looks like a Francis Barnett to me.

https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/francis-barnett-1920s/Francis-Barnett-1929-Model-9-H-H.htm

[Vreagh]

It could be any one of the FB models of 1928 to '32. Referred to as "built like a bridge" frame. They had 150 or 200cc Villiers engines and some had autolube. Mine is a Black Hawk but there was also a Lapwing and possibly others. Normally named after birds (feathered types).

[R]

It could be any one of the FB models of 1928 to '32.Referred to as "built like a bridge" frame.

Indeed - if you look closely, you can see where each of the frame tubes is bolted together.
Dismantled, it is all 'just' a bundle of tubes.

Distantly related to this concept, possibly......

[33d6]

Yes, definitely Fanny Bee and powered by a 196cc 2E Villiers engine. Villiers made the 2E from 1930-1940 inclusive. It was a well favoured utility engine of it’s day. A good value, solid and economical working mans bike.
I’m sure your grandfather was well pleased with it.

[nicobiko]

Thank you for your thoughtful answers. Very interesting to put names on that bike and engine and I'll look forward to reading up  on them.

Nicholas.