Thanks for the photos. Regarding start numbers for BNs in their early years, I think they were the same as start numbers for SNs because BNs and SNs seem to have completely matched at that stage. Apparently BNs were introduced for 1909 when SNs ran consecutively and they continued to do so thru 1910 and into 1911 when they reached 10000. But while still in the 1911 production year a new number series was introduced, beginning around 100 according to Herb Wagner in The Antique Motorcycle in 2009. Along with the new start number the letter A was added at the end for the remainder of 1911 and I imagine the new format had already been used with BNs, given they were stamped before SNs.
If that new start number is right it may explain photos I have of SN 5++A.
Apparently a similar system was used for 1912 so it sounds like the start number was again around 100 although letters at the end were AB, BA or B.
As of 1913 a new sequence of SNs would be issued for each model year but maybe that was only a reference to letters and perhaps the start number was again around 100? If so it may explain pictures of matching SN and BN 1++C as well as a photo of SN 7++D.
Eric
If that new start number is right it may explain photos I have of SN 5++A.
Apparently a similar system was used for 1912 so it sounds like the start number was again around 100 although letters at the end were AB, BA or B.
As of 1913 a new sequence of SNs would be issued for each model year but maybe that was only a reference to letters and perhaps the start number was again around 100? If so it may explain pictures of matching SN and BN 1++C as well as a photo of SN 7++D.
Eric
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