If you didn't get a chance to bid on the previous Bonhams auction (earlier this year) of the world's first series production motorcycle, and in fact the world's first 'motorcycle' so named (
motorrad auf Deutsche), you've got a second chance at the
inaugural Bonhams Las Vegas auction, January 6th (Thursday) 2011, at the Imperial Palace. And I have to say, bringing two authentic Hildebrand & Wolfmullers to auction within 12 months is quite a coup for the Bonhams gang - good hunting gents!
This particular machine dates from ca. 1895, and had a single owner for the past 50 years. It was sympathetically restored decades ago, lending the machine a second patina, which looks very good indeed. It's complete, and is estimated to fetch $130-150k...possibly a conservative estimate as the previous H&W which came under the hammer was in rough and incomplete condition, yet reached £86,200 (~$130k) -
see photo below.For a bit more info on the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller story,
click here for my previous post on the subject.
