Charles Williams - Motor Bike Supreme

[Mercian]

Hi @rebirthbikes

For comparison, here are the two 1923 Westfields I have noted bracketing this one.

A53178 of @RichH https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/imperial-bike.225932/

and

A74267 of @redline1968 https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1924-indian-basement-find.119904/

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[rebirthbikes]

You are probably correct, either way @rebirthbikes you have a marvelous specimen, short of removal of decal, don't change a thing.
Cliff

Cliff, I would never alter this beautiful machine. Since @deco-rate shared Doyle's name, I will happily say that Doyle has been an incredible caretaker to this machine and I just want him to know that it's safe and will remain untouched. Though, I may remove the sticker and add some tires in the near future. Other than that, she'll remain as he found her.

 

[rebirthbikes]

Hi Judd, you are doing some great detective work, with a lot of expertise helping out!

Kevin and I were with Doyle over 30 years ago when he bought the bike at Ann Arbor, and brought it home to Lincoln, Nebraska. I can safely say that Doyle didn’t touch or add anything on the bike himself including the decal/sticker.

I will say if my memory is correct, we did get caught in a rainstorm while the bike was on top of Kevin’s van. The bike was unfazed but the stripe on the wheels bled a little. I think Doyle rebuilt them as wheel building was his passion! He would have reused spokes or NOS at least. Doyle is now on hospice, but… I still visit him and wouldn’t be surprised if he can recall the details of that.

Bottom line, the rest of the bike is as he bought it.

That bike could not have ended up with someone more respectful and dedicated to the history than you! Unless of course I coulda snagged it… Ha!
Jeff

View attachment 2220648

Jeff, thank you for your kind words sir, and I am sorry to hear that Doyle is in hospice, but please, give him my support and let him know that I still have all the beautiful machines that I bought at the auction. They have been on display at my studio and I have no intention of any alterations outside of dusting them and greasing them.