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1963 Lambretta Li150, 175cc (see text). Registration number YKE 538A. Frame number 150Li 3 633850. Engine number 150Li 633587. Although best remembered these days as a 1960s style icon favoured by the fashion conscious ‘Mods’, the Lambretta motor scooter - together with Piaggio’s rival Vespa - had been intended as basic transport for the non-enthusiast masses. Manufactured by the Italian industrial giant Innocenti, the Lambretta gained instant acceptance in the immediate post-war years, its cleanliness and convenience in particular appealing to those who regarded the true motorcycle with suspicion. By the late 1950s, the scooter had begun to evolve into a larger and faster machine capable of two-up touring. Piaggio led the way with its 150 GS, to which Innocenti responded with the Lambretta TV 175. The latter was all new and incorporated innovations (for Lambretta) of enclosed chain drive and a four-speed gearbox. While the styling was an undisputed success, the engine proved troublesome and the first TV was a failure. Following the unreliable TV 175 Series 1, Lambretta went back to the drawing board to create one of its all-time greats: the ‘Li’. Built as a 125 or 150, the classic Li used the bore/stroke dimensions of the preceding ‘D’ Series but housed its entirely new engine in modern bodywork similar to that of the TV. The Li twins subsequently underwent a series of styling alterations, the Series 3 offered here being readily distinguishable by the handlebar-mounted headlight and ‘slimline’ styling that is for many enthusiasts the definitive Lambretta look. Little is known of YKE's early history, although it is believed to have been in a 40 year ownership before passing to a son. In 2000 it was shown at a local show in Norfolk and was re registered with DVLA in 2005 with an MOT at 16,591 km, gentle use over the years saw this rise iring the restoration the barrel was changed to a 175cc example with a Jetex 22 mm carb, front damper kit and a stainless steel exhaust, The wiring upgraded to 12 volts, along with a large selection of lights and mirrors. Our vendor purchased it as a display piece so it will need recommissioning before use on the road. Sold with V5C, some spares, and various paperwork.
about Lot 341
A Breitling for Bentley GT Racing gentleman's automatic chronometer stainless steel wristwatch, 2007, ref. A133631/2, a special edition stainless steel wristwatch, no. 2262777, 21 jewels, cal. ETA 2892A2, black dial, applied baton markers, luminous pointed baton hands, centre chronograph hand, centre second time zone hand, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording, day/date aperture at 3 o'clock, rotating bezel with inner time zone index, screw down crown, screw down back, case, dial and movement signed, on a Breitling stainless steel strap with deployment clasp, accompanied by a Breitling case, original receipt, international warranty, chronometer certificate, rotating card, instruction booklet, soft case, hard case and outer card packaging, diameter 47 mm.
about Lot 74
A WWI German Artillery Pickelhaube, leather bodied helmet with brass Prussian Garde pattern helmet plate, brass front trim, rear spine, circular spike base and ball mount fitting, lacking one cockade, interior of the helmet retains its leather liner, dated 1914 and B.J. A XVII.
about Lot 82
A brass ship's bell, height 34cm, lacking clanger, stamped broad arrow, HMMMS, 1788, 1950. H.M.M.M.S. stands for His Majesties Motor Mine Sweeper, the cataloguer was unable to trace the vessel it came from. These mine sweepers were identified by their number only, that would be for this one, M1791, built 1950, they were unnamed. Officially, "105 ft" Type 1501 Series. Information source: Jane's Fighting ships, 1955/56, page 59
about Lot 409
A radio controlled home built motorised pond boat, depicting paddle steamer Lady Jane, 80 cm with controller
about Lot 134
Jack Rigg (1927-), "The Golden Hope at Whitby 1960's" oil on board, signed lower right, 44 x 34 cm
about Lot 427
Of Operation Mallard/D Day glider pilot interest; WWII group of four medals, 1939 - 1945 Star, The France and Germany Star, Defense and War medals, awarded to Glider Pilot Staff Sgt. George Cawthray, together with his pilots log, showing June 6th "D" Day Horsa PW 661, landing near Zetten, 1 x jeep, 1 x trailer, 2 x motorcycles for the 1st Parachute Brigade, with Sgt Thomas, also Operation "Market Garden" on the 18th September, his service record goes from 19/05/1943 to 21/11/1945, his Soldiers Service Book, a silver and enamel glider wings sweetheart brooch, his cloth wings, letters relating to the landing, Arnhem Reunion material and other ephemera.
about Lot 308
1933 Gillet 98 cc. Registration number not registered. Frame number 94258. Engine number 265V. Alongside FN and Saroléa, Gillet was one of Belgium's three main motorcycle manufacturers, all of which were situated near the town of Herstal. FN and Saroléa had been around for 20-or-so years before Desire Gillet and his son Leon founded Société Anonyme des Ateliers Gillet in 1919, adding 'Herstal' to the company name to differentiate it from the French René Gillet concern. The fledgling firm soon established a reputation for original design and sound engineering, which was further enhanced when Robert Sexé rode a two-stroke Gillet-Herstal around the world. This project was bought by our vendor some 20 years ago at auction and he has now decided that he never will restore it. There is no paperwork with this lot.
about Lot 322
A 19th century German walnut quarter striking bracket clock, by Lenzkirch, the 5 1/2" brass arched dial with silvered chapter ring enclosing a matted centre, with subsidiary slow/fast dial to the arch, the movement back plate bearing the maker's name and stamped One Million, 47924 (c. 1890), striking on two gongs, within an attractive canted stepped gilt metal mounted case, surmounted by four flame finials and a carved caddy top, key, pendulum, 39 cm.
about Lot 431
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