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1910 Fn 5hp Four Single family ownership from new,Formerly the…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
6-Dec-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1910 Fn 5hp Four Single family ownership from new,Formerly the property of the late George Roberts of Qantas Frame no. 35774 Like Bsa, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('Fn', for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904 and was first exhibited publicly at the 1905 Paris Cycle Show. Designed by Paul Kelecom, the Fn was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth, almost vibration-less operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Advanced for its day, the 362cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves, a robust five-bearing crankshaft, individual crankcase oil wells ensuring adequate lubrication for the connecting rods, and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Supported on ball bearings, the driveshaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. The engine was enlarged (to 410cc) in 1906 and again in 1910, on this occasion to 498cc.Representing an exciting opportunity to acquire a potentially Pioneer-qualified 'multi', this early two-speed Fn Four 'barn find' is offered from long term storage. This bike is totally complete apart from missing magneto and is in marvellous original condition. This Fn has been in continuous family ownership from new and comes to us from the son of the remarkable George Roberts.George passed away earlier this year just months before his 100th birthday. He had been flying before Qantas was formed in 1920 and then spent most of his life working with that company. He and his brother souped up Model T Fords and trialled them along what is now the Gold Coast (reaching 104 mph in 1934). They built their own plane which now resides in the Queensland Museum. He met Charles Kingsford Smith when he arrived in Brisbane in 1928 after his flight across the Pacific and was on hand to rescue Amy Johnson when she overturned on landing after her extraordinary solo flight from England. An incredibly gifted engineer his life was linked to the modern history of all forms of motor powered transport.In George's own words, 'The doctor who came to deliver me came on a motorcycle and that motorcycle I have today. The doctor sold it two or three years later to an Uncle of mine who lived about five doors down the street from us, and when I was five or six years of age, I was always down with my uncle, Stanley Pearce, cleaning his motorcycle. When I was about nine he decided to move to Sydney and become the chief electrical draughtsman of Cockatoo Dock and he left the motorcycle with me and that's why I have it today. It's a four cylinder Fn, which means Fabrique Nationale, and it has no gearbox and no clutch. It's completely fixed shaft drive, but it still exists in its original state.'George's father was equally impressed by the Doctor's Fn and in 1910 bought his own. This bike in turn came into George's possession and then to his son and is the one offered for sale here.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cycles