Does anyone have documentary evidence of when pre war bikes went from gloss (semi gloss?) paint to drab and when they reverted to gloss again after the end of hostilities?...

The Norton factory ledgers state on the page commencing 28/10/1938 "All WD m/cs dull green from this date" (Previously, they had just stated "Green"). This colour has been shown to have simply been a matt version of Bronze or "Service" Green.

On 13/6/1939, the page is headed "First Khaki solo WD m/cs". The SWD Big 4 remained "Matt Green" up until at least 17th August 1939 and Norton stopped noting WD colours shortly afterwards. I suspect that there might have been a stock of painted sidecar bodies etc. for the Big 4s which were assembled separately in the old Comp. Shop and not on the main production line.

Reversion to gloss green after hostilities would presumably have been at unit or workshop level at some point after V.J. Day.

Most of the factory changes were subject to using existing stocks. BSA may have been earlier or later...

Thanks Rik..I had an enquiry from someone but wasn't sure...Ian

Yes, that is correct, thank Rik for pointing out the difference between 16H and Big 4.

I have an original paint headlamp with the matt "Service" green on the inside, domed ammeter etc. so right period. Outside has been oversprayed with KG3, have added some pictures. Must have been removed from a Norton, as bracket is still on the lamp.

Cheers,

Lex

email (option): welbike@outlook.com

Hi Lex..The headlamp rim appears to be a gloss or semi gloss...What do you think?...Ian

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

I think I sprayed some WD40 on the insides and rim, hence the glossy appearance, I'll have to take some new pictures, but headlamp is buried a bit! But I remember the super matte finish on the inside.

Lex

email (option): welbike@outlook.com