1942 BSA Airborne Paratrooper Bicycle (1st Pattern)

 

1942 BSA AIRBORNE 1st Pattern Paratrooper Bicycle

BSA Model 40 saddle

Dunlop ‘War Grade’ tyres (with the V for Victory logo)

Leather toolbag

Frame No R7100

(Now sold)

With its original unrestored paintwork and steering head transfer (decal) intact, this first pattern BSA Airborne with the distinctive twin tube seat post is probably as good as it gets. My inspection reveals no dents or damage to the frame and the only point I can find against it is that the outer retaining washer on the chain side sliding pedal has been replaced. Apart from that everything is original and in good condition. The tyres hold air but are rare wartime Dunlop ‘War Grade’ with the V for Victory logo, so are for display only.

BSA Airborne paratrooper bicycles are definitely not rare. Maybe around 70,000 were built of the 2nd pattern model that saw service. As comparatively few were used during World War 2, there are many survivors. The 1942 1st pattern with twin seat tube is the rarer model. What is even rarer with #R7100 is that it has not been pieced together from parts, nor ‘restored’ by an over-zealous enthusiast, but appears to be an original 81-year-old military bicycle in its natural condition with original components. If you’re a collector who likes to own the best surviving example available, is this the one for you?

 

 

 

 

 

BSA AIRBORNE FOLDED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WAR GRADE TYRES & AIRBORNE HUBS