An original, black-and-white (sepia-toned) vintage photograph depicting two young children posed atop an early 20th-century antique Scottish motorcycle against a dense hedge background.
- Subject: Two young children sitting on an antique Triumph motorcycle (one seated at the rear rack/seat, one holding the handlebars).
- Dimensions: Approx. 10 cm × 7.5 cm
- Format: Original Sepia / B&W Photograph Print
- Registration Plate: S4008 visible on the front mudguard/fender.
- Handwritten Notes (Verso/Back): Features vintage pencil notations reading "Black girl to rear !" along with camera setting/exposure marks (f=8, 1/6).
Historical Notes & Identification Details
- Motorcycle Model: Identified as a c. 1910–1914 Triumph 3 ½ HP Single-Cylinder "Flat-Tank" Motorcycle.
- The "TRIUMPH" brand name is clearly embossed on the lower timing gear casing of the aluminum crankcase.
- Features Triumph’s iconic early flat-tank design with white/cream paneling, dark pinstriping, and central tank emblem.
- Equipped with side-valve engine, pedal-assist starting, rear belt-drive mechanism, and early Triumph rocking-link front suspension forks.
- Fitted with an acetylene/carbide front headlamp above the front wheel.
- Registration Plate (S4008): The "S" prefix code was allocated to Midlothian / Edinburgh, Scotland under the 1903 UK Motor Car Act, dating the original registration of this machine in Scotland to roughly 1910–1913.
- Historical Significance: Pre-WWI Triumph 3.5 HP models (the famous "Trusty Triumph" line) were renowned for their exceptional reliability, forming the engineering foundation for the iconic Triumph Model H used throughout World War I.
Condition Report
- Overall Condition: Good vintage condition for its age.
- Front: Clear image with sharp contrast. Minor wear around the corners, light edge creasing, and subtle surface age toning/silvering typical of original photographic prints from this era.
- Back: Clean card back with original handwritten pencil notes.