A superb and rare photo of the Rudge motorcycle.
Rudge
motorcycles were known for their incredible innovations in engine
and transmission design, and off course its racing
successes. Their sales motto was "Rudge it, do not trudge it." Rudge
Whitworth Cycles originally resulted from the merger of two bicycle
manufacturers in 1894, one of which descended from the original bicycle company
founded by Daniel Rudge. Rudge also produced the first detachable wire wheel in
1907 and was known for its knockoff wheels on sports cars well into the 1960s. Selling re-badged Werners in 1909,
the company went on to produce their first motorcycle in 1911. This was
a single-cylinder F-head, or IOE (inlet over exhaust), 500 cc bike. In 1912 the
belt drive 499 cc Rudge Multi was released, using variable groove-depth pulleys
to gain 21 forward ratios, and a top gear as high as 2.75:1. (The Zenith Gradua
and 1907 FN 244 cc single used a similar system.) In 1913 a 750 cc Multi was
released. In 1914, a Multi won the Isle of Man TT . In 1915 a 1000 cc using a
Jardine four speed gearbox was released, followed by a 1000 cc Multi. In 1923,
they introduced an in-house manufactured 4 speed gear box to replace the Jardine
gearbox, and Multi production ended. It was called a Rudge Four, because of the
four speeds and four valves, not four cylinders. This single cylinder 350 cc
machine showed markedly superior performance to the competition on release,
having more power than its 500 cc predecessor. Rudge engineer, George Hack, is
said to have taken his design idea from the four valve head Ricardo-Triumph
Special of 1921, a one off machine. He designed a four valve head for Rudge and
in 1924 they produced their first four valve cylinder head on a 350 cc engine.
The valves were arranged in parallel, and were not radial. In 1925, a 500 cc
version with linked front and rear brakes appeared, and the big end bearings
were now fed oil through the crankshaft pin. The old 350 cc was dropped in
1926. For 1928 Rudge motorcycles were fitted with saddle tanks, and 8 inch
internal expanding drum brakes. Stanley Glanfield designed a Rudge for dirt
racing, marketed from 1928 as the Glanfield Rudge. In 1929 Graham Walker won
the Ulster Grand Prix averaging over 80 mph. This prompted the release of the
Rudge Ulster, as well as a JAP engined 250 cc and parallel 4 valve 350 cc. The
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of 1930s motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x 27 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.