British

Today in Motorcycle History

1903 Crystal Palace Show Page 854

The National. p854 NOVEMBER 25th, 1903.

ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING

A Useful Spanner.

A useful little accessory known as the Quick-grip spanner is shown by Mr. A. G. Taylor on Stand 59. The spanner also acts as a pair of pliers within reasonable limits. We tried one of these spanners on nuts and bolts varying from ¼in. to 5/8in., and found it perfectly effective.(Stand 59.)

Charles Peacock and Co.

A great variety of accessories of all descriptions, and particularly those in connection with ignition systems, are exhibited by Messrs. Charles Peacock and Co. on Stand 95a. The principal items of interest are in the engines shown on this stand. One is of the two-cylinder variety...

Continued: Charles Peacock and Co

Wilkinson Tyre and Tread Co., Ltd.

The tyre question is at present one which is attracting a good deal of attention at the hands of the motor cyclist. The device which will provide a non-skidder, and at the same time strengthen the tyre, such as that shown by the Wilkinson Tyre and Tread Co., on Stand 37, will be of interest. They show a variety of sizes of their non-skidding treads for motor cycle tyres. These treads are a separate device from that of the Wilkinson outer cover, in which the non-skidder is incorporated in the tyre by means of vulcanisation. The company's latest production in the form of the Wilkinson upper cover, both plain and non-skidding, which can be attached by the rider himself, is also to be seen on this stand. It is placed over the outer cover while in a deflated condition, and the expansion due to inflation keeps the upper cover in position, this position being maintained by means of upper rims which hold it securely to the cover. (Stand 37.)

An Extension Guard.

Many useful accessories for motor cyclists are exhibited on Stand 56 by Messrs. J. Parr and Co. The principal fitment calling for attention is an extension guard for front wheels. This is substantially made in sheet steel, and provided with a leather flap, and should prove a very useful accessory to motor cyclists for winter riding. (Stand 56.)

Mrs. Dawson's Tyre.

A Southport lady has turned her attention towards cycle tyre invention, and the result of her labour and ingenuity is shown on Stand 70. The principal feature of the tyre consists in the usual canvas being replaced by fabric woven from cord, to which the rubber tread is solutioned. Exceptional strength is claimed for this tyre. (Stand 70.)

Longstreth's, Ltd.

Electric ignition in all its details has been made a speciality of by Messrs. Longstreth's, and on their stand (No. 94) are to be found a variety of ignition apparatus of all descriptions. The particular point of interest for the motor cyclist is the firm's patented motor cycle accumulator, in which a liquid electrolyte is used, but this is prevented from spilling by means of a peculiarly designed plug, which admits of the battery gasing [sic] freely, but prevents ejection of any of the liquid. (Stand 94.)

Electric Ignition.

A very substantial form of internal wipe contact-breaker is shown on this stand by Messrs. J.Lacoste and Co., Paris. The body of this is constructed of gun-metal, in which is placed a red fibre ring. This is provided with a steel contact piece, while on the end of the rotating shaft is carried a brass arm provided with a steel roller, which makes contact with the before-mentioned insulated contact piece in the fibre ring. This is a form which gives excellent results, and can be very strongly recommended. Other types of contact-breaker, both wipe and trembling, are also to be seen at this stand, as also induction coils, accumulators, sparking plugs, testing instruments, and all sundries connected with electric ignition. In addition to these, several other sundries are to be found, including Longuemare and F.N. carburetters. (Stand 38.)

Paraffin Lamps.

The manufacture of vehicle lamps of all descriptions has for some time past been the principal industry of Messrs. Worsnop and Co., Ltd., of Halifax, whose business in the lamp-making industry generally is of long duration. Among motor cycle lamps shown on their stand is a neat little headlight burning paraffin. This gives a remarkably good light, which it is practically impossible to extinguish by accidental means or by blowing one's hardest through the ventilating holes. The weak point up to the present has been the back support, which on one lamp shown to us, after being in use for several thousand miles, parted company with the lamp itself. This part the manufacturers have now strengthened, and those to whom the paraffin light appeals are recommended to examine this lamp. Very neat side lamps for use on forecarriages are also to be seen. (Stand 41.)

The Motor Cycle November 25th, 1903. p854

Crystal Palace Show 1903 Index