Harley-Davidson "Det." part number: What does it mean?

[HarleyCreation]

Here's a Harley puzzle that must have a simple explanation.

Official Harley-Davidson racing memos and engineering sheets from the 1920s-30s sometimes list a special catagory of part described as a "Det." number.

For example, one list states it like this: "Part No. or Det. No." The trouble is, "Det." appears to be an abbreviation for a longer word or phrase but that is never spelled out in full. It appears to mean a special non-standard part as used in racing machines, conversions, stroke motors, etc.

What does this "Det." abbreviation mean or stand for? I'm thinking maybe it's not just a Harley-Davidsonism but a term generally used in industry and that you guys might be familiar with it.

Online I found this much: "det. is an abbreviation for detach; detachment; detail; determine; Med. detur (Latin: let it be given)" and "det. abbr. Latin detur (let there be given; give)."

Could it be that Latin definition, but more like "use"?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Lonnie]

Perhaps detail as in:

The Part Number Details Sheet should be used as a supporting document to list all applicable part numbers in a family group and should be attached to the relevant document

????

[fabercycle]

Herb,
In manufacturing "Det" is commonly used on blueprints, and in inner office correspondence as an abbreviation for Detail, which usually is a part of a larger assembly.

[HarleyCreation]

Thanks guys! Detail then it certainly must mean on Harley memos and parts lists too.

For Harley "Det." numbers seem to separate standard part numbers (things you could readily buy through your dealer), from part numbers used for special purposes: racers, stroke motors, coversions, etc.

The total number of blueprints used around that place over the years is staggering to imagaine--mostly all the good (old) stuff thrown away. One old guy told me that when AMF came in they did a major cleanup and tons of drawings, some dating back before 1910 stored in a "sub-basement" at Juneau Avenue were discarded.

Some of the drawings--those of entire motorcycles--were quite large. Would be nice to have some of those framed and hanging in your house or motorcycle shop!