ET: Engine (Twin) Case Markings

[VOCSQRD]

I came across these markings on the “eyebrow” of the casing over the dynamo sprocket on my 54 Rapide. I’m assuming they are someone's initials, H.l.G, possibly the original assembler of the engine? Funny how after forty years of ownership I’m noticing them for the first time. All positive input welcome!

 

[Keith Martin]

This is stamped on my 1950 Black Shadow.

 

[Graham Smith]

Didn't Hilgate (Hillgate?) Motors used to stamp the cases of engines that they'd worked on?

Just a thought.

 

[delboy]

You'll find they are inspection marks.
There was an article in MPH some time ago.
regards,
delboy.

 

[LoneStar]

You'll find they are inspection marks.
There was an article in MPH some time ago.
regards,
delboy.

Interesting; do you know which MPH this was in? An obvious question is why most bikes lack the marks - weren't they inspected?

 

[bmetcalf]

This is stamped on my 1950 Black Shadow.

My '50 Rapide has similar.

 

[delboy]

Sorry, my old brain's not got that good a filing system.
Interestingly, many, if not most I've worked on over the years have had these stampings in various places.
Internally, you often find little circles near machined places.
Regards,
delboy.

 

[vibrac]

I always put a mark inside the engines of the bikes I own ... you never know

 

[LoneStar]

I always put a mark inside the engines of the bikes I own ... you never know

Very sensible.

I bought a 1939 Velocette KSS some time back, and took the Altette horn apart for cleaning / adjustment / refinishing. It's hard to read in the pic, but on the inside of the resonator disc was inscribed "This Velo rebuilt by J. Gladston 1970"

 

[clevtrev]

Interesting; do you know which MPH this was in? An obvious question is why most bikes lack the marks - weren't they inspected?

It`s called batch inspection, one in so many, could be 10 could be 100 +.