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WW2 Number plate

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:09 am
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

Nice plate...

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 8:26 pm
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?

Paint

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2018 3:17 am
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

Interesting piece....

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2018 8:30 am
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?

Stories

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2018 8:55 am
by Bigsieuk
I have two R12's too. I agree, the history that they went through.

John