1923 sports rear axle

[Ian Williams]

I have one that I will look at tomorrow, November 1923 if my memory serves me correctly

[Ian Williams]

Okay so I have two early axes, November 1923 and February 1924, neither has a number like Tony's both of mine are 9/44 ratio the early one is numbered in the 900's the later one on the 200's, the number placement is the same as Tonys though. If they numbered the early axles from the beginning of the year starting at 0 or possibly 100 that would make about a thousand produced for 1923. I believe it was nearer 2000 cars in 1923 so I don't know what the serial numbers actually tell us, possibly a car number, although that would not explain Tonys S prefix, has anyone a suggestion. Thinking as I type here; the very early sports were built on a chummy floor pan, perhaps the floor pans were all numbered in sequence and the S prefix added to those destined for a sports skin rather than chummy skin.

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Thinking about it that last theory of mine is a fail, Tonys 1923 number is in the 1000's and mine in Nov 1923 is actually 999.

[Tony Betts]

hi ian,

so are we thinking what john has marked up as being a 1923 is 1925 sports.

any chance of helping with the camshaft if put on the forum. im sure you would know what its from.

thanks tony

[Mark R]

The rear axle index cards numbers 14 and 15 refer to rear axle numbers but all are under 500, though individual rear axles are listed as 'special axles'. This does substantiate the idea of an axle being numbers. I would suggest the S couldrefer to a specific inspector perhaps having approved that axle, just as an idea?

[JonE]

hi ian,

so are we thinking what john has marked up as being a 1923 is 1925 sports.

thanks tony

Just to make sure are there any other digits to theoretically consider for the date of the axle type. i.e. is an 8 too late. What about a '6'?
If they can be discounted with certainty, then it just ups the chance you are right.

[Tony Betts]

Hi jonE,

I may be able to prove it's a 1923?

Have been comparing centre banjos this evening. And noticed my pile of 26 to 29 banjos have an oblong casting on them.

So thinking how early did this block come in, I turned to a 1924 axle I have. Pic below.

The 1924 axle also has this block.

So I take it, it is only the 1923 centre banjos that don't have it?.

   

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Here is the pile of 1926 to 1929 banjos.

All have the oblong casting.

   

[JonE]

Excellent forensics! - and I wonder if Ian's two will support same. More '24s anyone, that can be checked?
You must be well chuffed to have gone through that process and found it has strengthened the case.

[Mark R]

There's a 24 chummy on eBay and the rear axle on that has an oblong, no guarantee its the original axle but it has the strengthening webs etc.

[Tony Betts]

Hi jonE,

I've never claimed to be an expert, and like most I rearly come across early or sports parts. Or both at the same time.

This is why it is interesting to here from those who now far more than me.

It was interesting to find the difference, I imagine thats why john had marked it as a 1923. Because he knew the difference?

Tony

[JonE]

It is scary to think of the information that is lost as generations pass, when people don't naturally wish to distil their thoughts on everything. Perhaps Clubs Association should be giving small grants to encourage people to write things down. i.e. so people who have had a long standing appreciation and observation of things-Seven could be encouraged to do so! More informal interviews etc.

(Conversely, what else would there be for us to do if we all knew?)