Anyone ID this old bike?

[Colin Sparrow]

Most impressed with the response to pgc40's old bike photos. Rather than hijack his thread, here's a new one with another old bike.

It shows my father, Jack Sparrow (yes, really) aged 13 in 1929 on his brother's motorcycle. I haven't been able to figure out what it is, although I suppose the outside flywheel might be a clue. He was a Don R during the war; I guess motorcycles are in the blood!

Anyone got any ideas what it might be?

[Colin Sparrow]

Starting this thread prompted me to look at my motorcycle books properly "look it up in Tragatsch" as they say.

I reckon it could be an EW Douglas, probably the 350. What do you reckon?

[Andy Z]

Starting this thread prompted me to look at my motorcycle books properly "look it up in Tragatsch" as they say.

I reckon it could be an EW Douglas, probably the 350. What do you reckon?

Hi Colin,

Yes, definitely a Douglas and most likely a 350 EW, probably around 1927/28. At least that what I think!

Cheers,
Andrew
#190

[John Wakefield]

Can you read the number on the photo Colin.

[Rob]

Yes, Colin, I agree, definitely a Douggie but that's the limit of my knowledge!

[Colin Sparrow]

Can you read the number on the photo Colin.

No John, it's a small contact print and what you see on the scan is what's there.

[Frank]

What bike?

Colin,

I agree with the others, it's deffo a Douglas. The shape of the tank, the lining, the logo and the type and position of the flywheel give it away. I had one up to last year, and it looks like an EW to me. However, they did change the model designation yearly, so I could be wrong on that.

All the best,

Frank

[Colin Sparrow]

That was good! Thanks guys for helpful responses. I think we're as close as we're going to get.

Clearly my dad's older brother was a man of taste!

Just for fun, here's another one I've found - with his big sister on the back - taken a year or so earlier, so late twenties.

Number's nice and clear this time John - and they lived in Essex.

Over to you guys - what is it? Beeza?

[Andy Z]

That was good! Thanks guys for helpful responses. I think we're as close as we're going to get.

Clearly my dad's older brother was a man of taste!

Just for fun, here's another one I've found - with his big sister on the back - taken a year or so earlier, so late twenties.

Number's nice and clear this time John - and they lived in Essex.

Over to you guys - what is it? Beeza?

Hi Colin,

Looks like a Matchless, around 1928, possibly a 250cc model R/S, but it could be a 350.

Cheers,
Andrew