Unusually, the change to girder forks was made part way through the (1948) model year, specifically the June of that year...The 1949 model year commenced in August, when all models already had the tele forks fitted, so no girders for '49...
Of course a '48 girder fork model could have remained unsold and been first registered in 1949 but that seems unlikely when the serious post war shortages of machines and the resulting waiting lists were taken into account...
I knew someone who ordered a Matchless and was on a 2 year waiting list..When offered a new bike that had a dented tank and thus the chance to bypass the list he said he jumped at it, dent or no dent!!...Ian
My 1949 M33 sort of started life as an M20 and is fitted with girder forks. The previous owner stated that it came from Pride and Clarks so equipped. That I know means nothing regards Pride and Clarks. I have seen a few pictures of 1949 M33s fitted with girders.
This is my 1948 BSA M21 YM frame number despatched 22nd June 1948 matching numbers, so I assume one of the last of the Girder/rigid M series BSA,s. 1949 M series should have a ZM frame number and as far as I know had tele forks, I had a 1950 ZM with tele,s never seen a ZM front frame with the long front down tube for girders though ? Dave
