the first Harley's

[jurassic]

also in the tool box

[jurassic]

Yeah, isn't that battery box a gem? The bracket looks like bronze and is rather a work of art in itself. I wonder if that was something the boys made or if that was an off-the-shelf item? Earl is good on stuff like that.

Yep, whoever owned that bike took good care of it. Must have had extreme sentimental value to him.

i too thought the battery box was a work of art ,much nicer than any of the repops,quality work

[HarleyCreation]

Those look like instrument tuning tools to me, piano,harp, something along those lines.
Maybe a previous owner was an instrument tuner?
Robbie

You can't get any warmer than that!

Lonnie, if Rub is right, then I've just upped my theory results to 100% correct!

[HarleyCreation]

It shows that machine has seen some care over the years to be in such good shape. It's always nice to hear the stories behind these old bikes. With Herb on the case it looks like we'll have another tale to ponder. I'm glad your posting this stuff Lonnie......from this far away I'm learning something with each picture!

Yeah, isn't that battery box a gem? The bracket looks like bronze and is rather a work of art in itself. I wonder if that was something the boys made or if that was an off-the-shelf item? Earl is good on stuff like that.

Yep, whoever owned that bike took good care of it. Must have had extreme sentimental value to him.

[exeric]

I was going to say they were the tools of an alien examiner of human . . . . nether regions.

[Rubone]

Those look like instrument tuning tools to me, piano,harp, something along those lines.
Maybe a previous owner was an instrument tuner?
Robbie

[jurassic]

toolbox

alot of the parts on the florida bike were stored in this bad ass old tool box along with these strange tools

[1914THOR]

Harley

Looks like I have a seat similar to the 1905. Anyone need one?I need a troxel seat for the 11' Yale, anyone have a seat to swap?one that fits on a 7/8 seat post, the one I have fits a smaller diameter post, as it is an early one.This seat is not too great, has a decent tear near the nose, but overall good on an original display bike or maybe a rider?let me know.
Dave
dmk441@yahoo.com

[jurassic]

[c.o.]

It shows that machine has seen some care over the years to be in such good shape. It's always nice to hear the stories behind these old bikes. With Herb on the case it looks like we'll have another tale to ponder. I'm glad your posting this stuff Lonnie......from this far away I'm learning something with each picture!

[jurassic]

original battery box

[jurassic]

so when can we expect a rough outline of what you have discovered?

[HarleyCreation]

This is getting really good! Sounds like were on the verge of having the history on another six-bolt!!! Great stuff fellas!!!

Darn tootin!

We're got it in the bag thanks to Lonnie and Lonnie, Sr. However, as one mystery is now solved, the other remaining early H-D mystery becomes even more tantalyzing and profound!

[c.o.]

This is getting really good! Sounds like were on the verge of having the history on another six-bolt!!! Great stuff fellas!!!

[HarleyCreation]

hi herb,at the time my folks were running the IDBA racing circuit,they met the owner in a race at gainsville in march,the guy noticed the knucklehead and informed our rider that he had the first harley built.after some discussion ,he agreed to bring the bike to the next race in memphis.the guy was a racer too ,and had only had the bike for a few months.true to his word he showed up in memphis and brought the bike .the bike did not originate in gainsville.the guy in the 79 photo is lonnie sr. . apparently our pit guy partied a little with the guy that night ,and has all the info you need.i'll email what i have tonight............oh and no restoration was done on the tank.

I was thinking that might be Lonnie, Sr.

I'm glad to hear that other stuff. The guy who actually obtained the bike before your dad got it might hold the key to the puzzle. Is he available to talk to?

Thanks for sending the material. I'll be looking forward to seeing it.