Winchester

[c.o.]

I wasn't aware that a motorcycle was built for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Anyway, this one is coming up for auction.... http://www.midamericaauctions.com/ht...ehicleID=21337

Here's the link to the rest of the bikes going on the block.... http://www.midamericaauctions.com/ht...=187&PersonID=

[exeric]

That's a Marsh-Metz of Brockton, Mass. circa 1910. Of course M-M is well known for being rebranded but I didn't know Winchester was one of the brands. It will be interesting to hear from someone more knowledgable on M-M motorcycles.

[c.o.]

Eric, now I'm wondering what makes this particular bike a Winchester? Did someone arbitrarily decide to be different or is there a characteristic that indeed makes this bike what it claims to be? I hope somebody can weigh in on this.

[exeric]

I'm curious as well, Cory. The cynical side of me says it's a fantasy motorcycle and by using a Marsh-Metz motorycle that was well known for rebranding; who's to say it's not real. If Winchester wanted to compete with their gun manufacturing rival, Iver Johnson, you would think they would build something in-house that was unique and superior to Iver Johnson's motorcycle. That would have been a tall order considering how unique and inovative the Iver Johnson was. In reality, I don't think Winchester had to compete with Iver Johnson, and I don't think Winchester gave two hoots about motorcycles. The seller claims it's the only one in existance. . . . I don't doubt it.

[Michael.Voice]

Hey guys

Quite honestly, unless I see original advertising showing a 'Winchester' Motorcycle, I think its just someone trying to fake a rare bike, using a Marsh Metz as the base to fake it on.

Be interesting if anyone can produce adevrtising to prove otherwise though.

[c.o.]

I'm curious as well, Cory. The cynical side of me says it's a fantasy motorcycle and by using a Marsh-Metz motorycle that was well known for rebranding; who's to say it's not real. If Winchester wanted to compete with their gun manufacturing rival, Iver Johnson, you would think they would build something in-house that was unique and superior to Iver Johnson's motorcycle. That would have been a tall order considering how unique and inovative the Iver Johnson was. In reality, I don't think Winchester had to compete with Iver Johnson, and I don't think Winchester gave two hoots about motorcycles. The seller claims it's the only one in existance. . . . I don't doubt it.

I'm swaying toward your line of thinking Eric. I'm sure it is likely the only one. There seems to be a few rare one of kinds showing up in the last few years. Do I buy it? No, but then again I'm growing more cynical as I age...

Hey guys

Quite honestly, unless I see original advertising showing a 'Winchester' Motorcycle, I think its just someone trying to fake a rare bike, using a Marsh Metz as the base to fake it on.

Be interesting if anyone can produce adevrtising to prove otherwise though.

I'd love to see some advertising if it exists. Maybe Tommo has heard of the "Winchester"?

[Tommo]

Yea I've got a Model 12 and a 30/30.
As far as Winchester motorcycles go "I know nuthing"

[c.o.]

Yup! We know for sure they built the "thunder sticks" but I'm a little skeptical on the motorcycle for some reason.

[Tommo]

Seriously though George Madis wrote a comprehensive history of Winchester in 1971 and there is no mention of motorcycles in there.

[aka HAWG]

in steven wrights book it lists that in 1913 the MM was becoming outmoded and sales declined. Aftermarket sales keep the company going for a while and several companies among them haverford, peerless, arrow and WINCHESTER continued to rebadge and market them.

and in my hummble opinion I would rather look at 1 MM, one winchester, one peerless, one haverford and one arrow (that is if owners brought them out for public veiwing) than 5 MM's

somewhere in my vast collection I have a tin sign ( repop) deplicting a winchester motorcycle - when I find I will post

aka HAWG

[c.o.]

in steven wrights book it lists that in 1913 the MM was becoming outmoded and sales declined. Aftermarket sales keep the company going for a while and several companies among them haverford, peerless, arrow and WINCHESTER continued to rebadge and market them.

and in my hummble opinion I would rather look at 1 MM, one winchester, one peerless, one haverford and one arrow (that is if owners brought them out for public veiwing) than 5 MM's

somewhere in my vast collection I have a tin sign ( repop) deplicting a winchester motorcycle - when I find I will post

aka HAWG

Now, that's some interesting news! Thanks for speaking up. I guess there is a little egg on my face for doubting it!!!

[aka HAWG]

here is the sign I mentioned its been in my collection for about 15 years

winchester sign.jpg

aka HAWG

[c.o.]

That's an interesting sign HAWG. I'd be curious to know if there are any before pictures of the auction bike to see what the foundation for the restoration was. Interesting stuff for sure...

[exeric]

I do notice that the font of the auction bike and HAWG's tin sign are different. I tend to believe there is no connection to the famous gun maker.

[LouieMCman]

I have seen a Winchester bicycle at an antique bicycle meet a few years ago. There were original ads and a gun scabbard on the bicycle...I doesn't seem too far fetched that they put their name on a motorcycle.