That’s correct ron
This cut trumpet was common in 1940 & we established the full trumpet was replaced in mid 41 - later the distance piece was reintroduced
I had thought the distance piece was a later war addition - but it’s in the 1940 military supplementary parts list - to match these blades - so it’s an early part & perhaps earlier than we thought as this is a k model
I have 2 x 1940 bikes here with cut trumpets
Job

email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com

I'd forgotten that.

Could it be a 400-18 front tyre, its a pretty clear picture could you zoom in on it Steve to see if its readable.

Rob

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

Hi rob
We know the raf contract had 18” wheels & looking at photos in the parts list - the mudguard seems quite full !
No gaps as such

The sidecar wheel tyre size is listed as 400 x 18 but nothing listed on the bike itself

Quite possible that the bike was originally part of a sidecar outfit
Br
Job

email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com

It looks as if the officer has pulled rank to sit on the bike for the photo opportunity. The chap standing behind him looks to have anti-gas eyeshields up on his fez ! The first time that I've ever seen that...:laughing:

I've zoomed in and just to the rear of the forks near the rim, I'm sure I can see a zero and 18. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

The front stand is also bent at quite an angle too - not seen that before
Br
Job

email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com