Curious number......

[brit_biker]

Hey Guys,
I've just laid my hands on a G3L. I've managed to date the frame as a 1943
machine-from the British Forces Motorcycle book data. What puzzles me is that
there isn't the usual year/model followed by the engine number stamped on the
crankcase, like my other G3L, instead it just has this these numbers stamped on
the crankcase-BF 2551.
There is also a brass data plate on the bottom of the engine near the sump with
the overhaul info which I guess was put there by the REME. There is another
brass plate under the tank with.........W.WATSON & CO.RADIATOR DEPARTMENT,OLDHAM
STREET,LIVERPOOL.
REP No: 35.
I sure would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this topic.
Cheers.

[les ward]

The engine number would have been on a brass plate. You should see the two holes for the rivets that held it on. They tend to get lost over the years. The BF number was probably put on by an army workshop or later on.

[brit_biker]

Thank you Les, I know exactly what you mean about the brass plate and the remnants of the rivets if the plate has fallen off, of which there are no signs at all!
The area is absolutely clean except for the numbers punched on there...I wonder if could it have been a blank replacement engine crank case on which those numbers were punched by an army workshop.Cheers.

[Malleon]

W. Watson & Co. were one of the main car dealers on Merseyside specialising in BMC/BL marques until the mid-1970s. It is likely that they carried out a repair, probably on the fuel tank, and there was a large REME workshop depot in Deyesbrook Lane, West Derby, Liverpool at the same time.
Hypothetical, but quite possible!