Ok, here it is. I am very proud of this thing, so please don't pick it apart too much...

I am going to post me flickr account, for those interested.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/120885427@N03/

Copy and paste to follow link.

Hopefully this works. Any idea on any of the markings?

Engine: WM20 80129? RB?
Frame: 96118
Plate: 30YE04

Right side of engine:
Misc Marks: M(over)54, F, 55 (in circle), Backwards P stamped over A?

NO clue what the above means? Anybody?

email (option): sctclark1@msn.com

Scott. A genuine WM20 from post war stock. If your frame number is WM20 96118 then it's from contract S1048 1942/43. Your tank census number will be easy to work out. Those with key cards might tell you more. I image RB after your engine number has been stamped post war for 'Rebuilt' The M over 54 (with crows foot) is the war time inspectors stamp. See what others come up with. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Very nice Scott, the plate on the front engine mount with the numbers stamped on is interesting, it could almost be a reused contract plate from the shape.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11@yahoo.co.uk

Hi Scott,

Very nice original bike, are you going to restore it? Personally I would leave it just as it is. This is a bike that tells the complete story. Very nice.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

Yes agreed, a very nice acquisition. I think I would just be keeping it 'as is' or maybe just covering some of the markings with a protective coat or two of clear lacquer. Not many original condition machines around, so many having been 'tidied up' - but have lost their history in the process.

Thanks for the information. I'm a proud papa and lucky to be the custodian for a long while I hope.

So far, have been fixing oil leaks and a lot of little things. I welded the original battery carrier back together. Tried to match the paint and got close, but that was not easy. Trying to control rust and getting it working again.

I really can't imagine repainting this. I like the idea of a clear coat, had not thought of that.

I am curious about what the black square and number is. I have looked some, but could not link it to a specific division or unit.

email (option): sctclark1@msn.com

Hi Scott,

Yes, very nice condition. I would NOT use ANY paint or clear lacquer. Just get some oil on it now and then.

As far as I can judge from the pictures the rust is nothing serious and a little oil will stop the rust process and keeps the nice look.

I use armament cleaning oil but think any engine oil will do.

For the inside of the mudguards I use Tectyl ML, wonderful stuff, it creeps nicly along the seams.

Good luck Michiel / NL

email (option): m.wijbenga[at]hotmail.com

Nice bike! That's the condition I've seen many of them in here in the US. One of my own came to me looking almost identical to yours.

As you may know, that square on the tank with a number in it is a formation sign-the color of it would tell what branch of service it belonged to. The markings, and that dark green paint on your bike are postwar markings. I guess it's up to you if you want it to appear as it did in postwar service, or whether you want to make it appear as it did in WW2 service, which would mean you would have to paint it a different color,with different markings, among other details.

I made one of your photos a "favorite" on my Flickr page. I have a few photos of my M20s there. Good luck with your machine!

now that is NICE...

touch nothing, ride and enjoy .

email (option): chris.astinbarker at btinternet.com

I've always thought this postwar colour was 'dark bronze green' as used on Land Rovers...Anyone know if that is correct?....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Here's a page you might find interesting. Your Black square is down the page, under "Arm of service"

http://www.petergh.f2s.com/flashes.html#vehicle

Well done!

email (option): britool51@hotmail.com

Excuse my lack of British Military knowledge, but what is the "Headquarter of formations"? Like transportation or what?

Any clue to what the 458 number is?

email (option): sctclark1@msn.com

Looks really nice, Id leave it just as it is if it were mine, but its yours;) Nice motorcycle that..