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WW2 Number plate

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Bigsieuk
Posts: 107
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:40 am

WW2 Number plate

Post by Bigsieuk »

I came across this WW2 WH relic number plate and thought it might be of interest. Not sure whether it is BMW or not but it is interesting for the colours, original black with tan sprayed over.

John
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R68
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Nice plate...

Post by R68 »

...that's BMW, for a R5 or R6, and maybe for R51 up to 1941. That it was originally black suggests it was from a civilian motorcycle, possible requisitioned late in the war when tan was the color used on german military vehicles. Had it been requisitioned in earlier times, it would have been repainted grey, aka "feldgrau"...these are being reproduced, but nothing beats original. If only it could talk?

Bigsieuk
Posts: 107
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:40 am

Paint

Post by Bigsieuk »

I have a pre war R51 I'll check it against what is on the bike.

When I bought it I couldn't understand why the letters were white. Then I realised that the black number/letter paint over the white had offered a little more protection. The black had faded and gone but had offered more protection leaving the white underneath.

Pity I couldn't find the rest of the bike!

John
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R68
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Interesting piece....

Post by R68 »

...as I'm sure you know, "WH" means wehrmachts heer or german army property (as WL means luftwaffe property) so this was a requisitioned motorcycle. If that were mine, I'd think I'd just keep it as is; the stories it could tell?

Bigsieuk
Posts: 107
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:40 am

Stories

Post by Bigsieuk »

I have two R12's too. I agree, the history that they went through.

John

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