Went with Mrs M to the wonderful Popham vintage fly-in aero/autojumble today, just off the A303 near Basingstoke...........

Fair few bits found, and on my list was a cheapo repro tyre pump for the ML.........this little bike's pump, like that of the Flea, didn't feature the foot-stirrup.........I was simply looking for a modern cheap black pump to add for the "look".........

But the ever eagle-eyed Mrs M spotted this.........a brand new tyre pump, 13 inches long approx, complete with inflator tube, perfect working order, and in British wartime SCC No.2 brown...............very cheap too Exactly the size needed for the ML !!! There were two others also, identical, but finished in olive drab.............

Clearly, the brown finish confirm British wartime manufacture.........circa 1942-44........no markings however anywhere on these pumps.........steel bodied, brass fittings, braided inflator in olive/khaki and brass fittings/leather washers, etc...........so, what are these for ? The airborne folding BSA bicycle perhaps ? Or the standard "infantry" bicycle ? (apart from also fitting the James !!)..........ideas/opinions anyone ????

Did you get the blokes number Steve?

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Ron, no to the number (the seller was selling the parts on behalf of someone else) but if they didn't go after we left mid-afternoon the next show he is at with those pumps is on 1st June and we will be there just after getting back from a couple of days away "up North" and just prior to me going over to Normandy.............are you interested in one/two ?? Any ideas on what they are for ????

I'm guessing that they're cycle pumps, but I'd like one for the ML. I have an ex WD cycle type pump that I thought would be ideal when I found it. But it's too long.

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

They indeed fit the ML Ron..... But I want to know what they were made for..........clearly, by SCC No.2 brown, they are WW2 and British...........

I will do my best and fingers crossed on the 1st June that I can secure some more..........

Cheers Steve Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

What size is the connector threaded ? Would it fit a motorcycle Schrader type or a cycle's Woods valve ? ...assuming that it's original.

It is an original Rik.....(I've been around this gear for years and can spot a repro at 100 yards)....the SCC No.2 paint looks to have been there for years, (including paint "runs" !).........not sure on the thread sizes but fittings/threads all brass............will check threads tomorrow on the bike.........but I'm confident all will fit
Bugger tomorrow....just went to the workshop now and the pump adapter fits the Schrader valve threads perfectly.......

Steve, I wasn't casting nasturtiums on the pumps, just asking if the connector was the one supplied with the pump (rather than a period replacement)...

If the connector has the larger internal thread then presumably the pump was intended for a powered two wheeler...no English bicyles had full-sized Schraders, (Did they ?)

Rik, no worries......the adapter hose is khaki-braided rubber tube in perfect order.......fittings are brass, and sealing washers a combination of fibre and leather, all as good as the day they were made..........even has that "old" smell.......

Cheers Steve, we were cross-posting...So unless there were push-bikes with Schrader valve cores, these pumps must've been intended for a motor bicycle...or a handcart !

Mind you, I've been pissed as a handcart on a bicycle a few times so the distinction can become blurred...

I noted that my wheelbarrow currently has a flat........might test the pump out on that tomorrow........lol.....