Plate

It is a splendid plate but Dominators did not have then fitted when new. The Dominators simply had the frame number stamped on the left side gusset, just above the hole for the swinging arm in the form:

R14

85787

for example. In this case a Norton 99.

Of course there is no document to show that something was not there. It is like trying to prove a negative. Jut not possible!

Lubos:

The plate you are showing would have been mounted on a Commando model and was not used on anything else. On a Commando it was located on the steering head as per your photo. It would have been facing forward.

Have you found the original frame number on the left hand side swing arm gusset as Gordon stated?

Mike

These plates have a clearly European form and I believe are sold in Germany. Germany had a requirement dating back before WW2 that motorcycles be fitted with a data plate including year of manufacture and cubic capacity. Something to do with 'Type Approval', probably, even at that early date.

If these (or something similar) were fitted to Norton Dominators, then it would have been done by the German importer and fitted to a location chosen by him and accepted by the authorities.

I'd suggest asking Norton Deutschland, or the former Norton importer for the country where you're located.

This sort of certification label was not fitted by the Norton factory and would indeed have been the responsibility of the local importer. The problem that you have is that Nortons were probably not imported to the former Czechoslovakia after 1939. There was a consignment of ES2 models as part of a trade deal in 1959 but I believe these were for a government agency.

The NOC had quite a strong presence in Czechoslovakia at one time (they even organised an International Rally). I suspect that you could best ask a local Norton owner what is fitted...or maybe fit the plate that you have. The reason that they are available is probably that many European owners do just that to avoid any problems.

As it's not original, it's up to you which discrete place you choose for it.

Hi Lubos,

If you fit your plate as you show in the photo it will be covered by the 'shroud' that fits to the two mounting holes......guess that would cause problems with your 'council' people.

regards John