As title, can you help me with some research?
According to Dennis Hiller, there were two models. The first from 1932 to 1935 serial numbered from 101 to 6642. BSA then started serial numbering from 1 but prefixed each number with a B between 1935 and 1939, when Hiller mentions the highest number known as B8562. If all the serial numbers were used, that makes a production run of just over 15000. The Breakdown is not especially rare, so total production was probably not wide of this estimate. However, BSA left lots of unused numbers in their serial number range at this time on underlevers, so it is just as likely there were gaps with the Breakdown.
Why did they start numbering again with a B prefix? My guess is to bring the breakdown in line with their underlevers, as both the A and T series were introduced around this time and were after all, continued production of their No1 and No2 L and S models, respectively.
Anyway, onto the breakdown, I am aware there are some smoothbore versions out there and ones with cork adaptors for fairground gallery use - Anyone seen one?
According to my records, B prefixed models are very much in the majority but what, if any are the differences between 1932-1935 models and the B prefixed 1935 - 1939 models? Is the barrel hinge a pin or screw on both models?
Does anyone have an early breakdown with no B prefix and perhaps a late B to compare side by side?
Many thanks in anticipation...
John
Reply With Quote
