BBC1 today 25/5/25: someone turned up with 2 Featherbed Manx frames. One still in Rex McCandless's assembly jig. Plus steel templates to bend the tubes to correct curvature. Antiques Road Show, final item...see BBC iPlayer
30-50K with no strong…
30-50K with no strong supporting evidence for the provenance. The steel plates did not look like they were in a pig sty, also it seemed incomplete as it had no headstock tube clamp and other items needed to support the various plates that need to be welded to the frame.
This crossed my path last October, and no, I didn't tell the researcher that is was worth anywhere near that amount. The provenance was not strong enough and they could not identify if any winning bikes or famous riders were attached to the jig. Interesting yes, but without solid support of the history not worth 30K.
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Featherbed Frame Jig and Memorabilia on BBC
What perfect timing, in the 75th anniversary year of the Featherbed frame.
Could anyone from the club contact the family, before the items are lost forever.
Perhaps a NOC dvd with commentary to get the facts right
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Featherbed frame
Hi all .
I have just watched the piece about the frames on Antiques Road Show, and unlike Ian I found it quite interesting, the presenter even acknowledged how sometimes things like this are very difficult to give a value to, but suggested that many motorcycle museums would be very interested in them even on a loan arrangement.
I agree with Tim, how ironic to show them now on the. 75 th anniversary! ( glad I have my badge at least!)
Regards John O
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Looks like a good fit for…
Looks like a good fit for Sammy Miller's Norton Gallery, given the works specials already there.
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So that is what it looks like? We wonder where it will end up? Which museum will acquire it?
The only error I could see is that the presenter couldn't see the difference between 70 year old rust and siff bronze welding. Never mind their hearts were in the right place.