|
|
Pulp Non-Fiction
Paper Collectors
Bernie and Lawrence Nicholson imported their first British motorcycle to Canada in 1932 under the name Nicholson Bros. Motorcycles. Prior to that, the enthusiastic young brothers were writing to manufacturers requesting literature. Never ones to throw anything away, all of their brochures and information from nearly five decades in business were simply kept filed away. Now, a good portion of that paper has been unearthed -- and what a treasure trove.
Royal Ruby
Royal Ruby started producing motorcycles in 1909 at a factory in Ancoats (Manchester). The firm, Ruby Cycle Co., had been producing bicycles. Like many other turn of the century ‘cycle makers Ruby probably thought it prudent to install a gasoline engine in their frame. They used JAP and Villiers engines, but cast the Royal Ruby name on these proprietary engines.
Royal Ruby carried on production until 1919 or 1920 when the company was sold to different owners. They kept the name and a new Royal Ruby range was offered. This didn't last long, only until 1922, when the company was again up for sale. Albert Horrocks of Bolton bought the name in 1927 and contemporary Royal Ruby machines were then offered.
This piece of Royal Ruby ephemera dates from the last days of the company, although it's unknown exactly when this maker stopped production. Dates such as 1931, 1933 and even 1934 have been suggested. According to Royal Ruby aficionado Adrian Holden of the U.K., this 1932 brochure is the latest piece of marketing he's seen – and adds the 1932 machines look almost identical to what was offered in 1929.
Royal Ruby offered in the 1932 brochure the Club and Standard Models, each powered by a 346cc Sports Villiers Long Stroke, two-stroke engine -- a twin-port unit with aluminum piston and head. The Club Model was 43-0-0, and the price included Miller S.U.S. Dynamo Lighting with diplite and Electric Horn. The Ruby frame featured (unusual) extra tubes at the front downtube and both rear loops, and forks were Brampton girder. The machine, finished in black and chromium livery, weighed in at 250 lbs. An Albion four-speed gearbox was standard, with foot or hand change optional. The Club Model was: "...designed to satisfy the needs of Riders who prefer a fast Twostroke for Competition work...For 1932 this Machine is the Twostroke Enthusiast's Dream Bus."
- Greg Williams
©
2007 AMCA
|
|
