Nathan, the post-1948 "Key Cards" detailing the change to the post-war registrations still exist. I have a copy, but not the Excel list that would allow research. Most of the "Numbers Nuts" are in Normandy at the moment, but it may be possible to research further in a week or two.
82294 is not in the Key Cards, but 82293 is, that had C4868670 on the tank, but this was an irregular contract it seems, so cannot be calculated. Is the original number not readable? there could be a Greek connection, as some other bikes around these frame numbers have that.
If you want info on the WD16H, go to www.wdnorton.nl website!
I read the original number as W81315 but it is clearly quite mutilated and I may be wrong.
The second digit shows a similar deep impression as the 4th "1" digit.
If this is the original number it was registered as C4869115. It was built either very late 1943 or early 1944.
Any other number is useless to determine original contract and built date.
Census numbers can be calculated for this contract C14498, nothing irregular as far as I can see.
Keycards have many mistakes/ommisions! In many cases a contract number is noted for a motorcycle but not the frame number.
W81315 is not shown in the Keycards but it could still have been one of the entries without frame number noted!
I have all available keycard entries (all 7240+ of them) in one excel file making it easy to find numbers.
List also used to check consequetive numbering of contracts and to find spare frames.
I have no proof whether all Norton keycards are known. RLC museum may have others.
Engine number is clear and original, W72084 was part of contract C12426 and motorcycle was built late 1942.
Thanks for replies.
I’ve looked closely at the frame number and I think it could be more likely W87315. Is there any info available for this number please?
The digit "7" Norton used had a curved vertical line. I do not see that in this case.
Having about 170 pictures of Norton frame numbers and nearly 300 engine numbers I think have sufficient reference to stick to my previous statement.
I therefore stay with my previous information.
There is not much more to tell.