New Crescent 1912 4¼ HP 1 cyl 598cc sv with wicker sidecar 3511

New Crescent 1912 4 ¼ HP 598 cc Precision with wicker sidecar frame # 281 engine # 4421

This New Crescent combination, a rare survivor from Britain’s pioneering motorcycling days, was manufactured by Arthur Richardson of 185, Shaftesbury Crescent, Derby, from whence the name ‘New Crescent’ derives. Richardson’s career neatly illustrates the transition from cycle building to the motor trade: recorded in the 1901 Census as a cycle builder (aged 23), by 1911 he was listed as a motor and cycle mechanic, by 1921 as a motor engineer and manager at the Unity Motor Garage, Burton Road, Derby, and by 1939 as a motor garage manager in Repton.
The New Crescent was bought new on 11 July 1912 by Mr R. A. E. Hawksworth of 26, Clarence Road, Derby. A joiner and cabinet maker by trade, he later became an instructor and lecturer in cabinet making, He used it for a couple of years until leaving for active service in the First World War. Returning disabled, Hawksworth stored the machine in a bedroom. He died in 1951, and the combination passed on to his brother-in-law, who sold it to a Mr Salmon in Shepshed, Leicestershire. The earliest known documentary evidence is a photocopy of its Pioneer Certificate (No. 207), issued in May 1954 to Mr J. G. E. Salmon. At that time it was registered ‘R 707’, a Derbyshire-issued number. In the accompanying info file are several photos of the New Crescent bearing that number. The machine’s further travels through history show a stay of a number of years in Sweden, were she was enthousiastically rallied by several owners. In 2007 she returned to Britain and became part of an important private collection.
In 2020 the New Crescent gained national attention on BBC television when the owner loaned it for multi-World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin to take the late Captain Sir Tom Moore for a ride, after he had celebrated his 100th birthday by raising £32.79 million for the National Health Service.
The accompanying info file contains some 1970s tax discs and Polaroid images, an image believed to be of the machine on the Pioneer Run (date unknown) photocopy of the Pioneer Certificate (No. 207); 2008 Pioneer Certificate No 317; old MoTs and V5; a number of Swedish newspaper cuttings showing it having been actively campaigned and a copy of Motor Cycle News of February 10, 2021 with a tribute article to Capt. Sir Tom featuring the photo of the New Crescent with its celebrated passenger.
It’s believed that this New Crescent is the sole survivor of this artisanal make; she combines outstanding originality and patina with a fascinating history. Propelling power is presented by a well-proven Precision engine. The 1954 Pioneer Certificate information refers to this engine as having bore x stroke dimensions of 89.4 x 100 mm and measuring 624 cc. According to Precision documentation the 4 ¼ engine has bore x stroke dimensions of 89 x 98 mm though, and measures 598 cc. Ignition is taken care of by a Bosch magneto and a Brown & Barlow carb provides the mixture. In the rear hub we find a three speed Armstrong gear and clutch. Accessories include a J.H. Smith & Co acetylene front lamp with generator and rear lamp, tyre pump and period leather panniers plus vintage type suitcase.