1916 Model Big Four Norton


"In yard of Queen's Head Coventry. Wartime Norton m/c on test 1916 or 1917" is written on the rear of this photo. In "Perfect in Every Part", a book on Francis Simpson.


The Norton in the picture would be a 1916/1917 model destined for the Russian army. Note the full enclosure of the rear chain the the additional set of footrests.

Simon: "A friend of mine has one of these WW1 Big Fours which came from Finland and is almost certainly one of those sent to Russia before the Revolution. Juris in Latvia has another which he acquired in Moscow a few years ago."