This photograph shows the DKW motorcycles.
DKW (=
Dampf-Kraft-Wagen (German: steam-driven car) is an historic car and motorcycle
brand with a long and interesting history. In 1916, the Danish engineer Jørgen
Skafte Rasmussen founded a factory in Saxony,
Germany, to
produce steam fittings. In the same year, he attempted to produce a
steam-driven car, called the DKW. Although unsuccessful, he made a two-stroke
toy engine in 1919, called Des Knaben Wunsch — "the boy's desire". He
also put a slightly modified version of this engine into a motorcycle and
called it Das Kleine Wunder — "the little marvel". This was the real
beginning of the DKW brand: by the 1930s, DKW was the world's largest
motorcycle manufacturer. In 1932, DKW merged with Audi, Horch and Wanderer, to
form the Auto Union. Auto Union came under Daimler-Benz ownership in 1957 and
was finally purchased by the Volkswagen Group in 1964. The last DKW car was the
F102 which ceased production in 1966; after this the brand was phased out.
Before World War II, the company had some success with forced induction
compressor racing motorcycles, and during the late 1920s and 1930s, DKW was the
world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. After the war, the company made the RT
125, 175, 250 and 350 models. The motorcycle branch of the company produced very
famous models such as the RT 125 pre- and post World War II. As reparations
after the war, the design drawings of the RT125 were given to Harley-Davidson
in the US
and BSA in the UK.
The HD version was known as the Hummer, while BSA used them for the Bantam. IFA
and later MZ models continued in production until the 1990s, when economics
finally brought production of the two stroke to an end. Other manufacturers
also copied the DKW design, officially or otherwise. This can be seen in the
similarity of many small two stroke motorcycles from the 1950s, including a
product of Yamaha, Voskhod and Polish WSK.
This is your rare chance to own this non period photo that
reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and D.K.W.
history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10"
(ca. 20 x 26 cm).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(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.
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.