Anyone know these bikes?

... know them but Pugh seem to get lower prices generally, and their premiums are lower than the more well know houses.

I don't think buying at auction is much more of a risk than private sales. Meybe more than buying from a dealer but then you have to factor in their profit margin. Some years ago I sold a Velo Venom to a well known former numberplate dealer in the north west of England. I was happy with the price he paid me. A month or so later I saw the bike - polished up - on his website for nearly double the price!

Dear Mick
Both look complete, shiney and ready to go with new oil and battery, probably from deceased estate as no doubt mine will be in years to come. Question is are you buying to ride? I have commandos that are pre 72, 72 and post 72. 72 was a special year, new engine cases without filter in oil pickup, and more important if you are a spirited rider new headstock angle on frame, they can be somewhat interesting in their behaviour at speed. Original brake is rather poor unless upgraded.
    73 on models had engine and frame deficiencies attended to, and one in your pic has a decent looking brake too so much better to ride.
Regarding pre 72 models, fine to ride, with drum brake, old style frame and engine.
All are getting on for 50 years old so expect a little settling and dont be surprised if tyres are of a certain age too.
Choice is yours, hope you get one at right price, unfortunately I have too many or would be bidding on later one too.

Regards Martin

The more common bikes tend to get better prices at Pugh's than Bonhams, daft, I know, but common bikes don't tend to do so well at Bonhams. Most buyers are there for the big ticket bikes. I think many see Pughs as an out in the country auction so believe they will get a bargain. 

They both appear to have combat motors and the Interstate has a few base gaskets packed under the barrels to reduce the compression. Perhaps not a good idea, they might need replacing with a proper decompression plate. However, at the right price you could get a goodun. Best of luck with the bidding.

Hi Mick, the black interstate is not a Combat model as the engine number is after the number where Combats were discontinued. The barrels were probably silver originally but have painted black at sometime. Maybe see you at the East Yorkshire meet in Pocklington. Mine has the White tank with blue & red stripes.