Snakepit

One of the strangest things I have seen, somebody at some point tried to fake the frame number by stripping the paint and scribing the correct number on it. They were not aware it had a VIN plate under the paint which is what confirmed it to me as being correct and I assumed the RB just didn't have a normal frame number. When I received the bike I loosened the tank and slid it back to reveal the same but authentic frame number.

I guess we will never know but quite a few RBs were sold after the introduction of the RE. Interestingly the RB is not in the 1939 Dutch RE catalogue either and was presumably only marketed by Stokvis.

The RB was never listed in a UK catalogue or sales brochure, the bike was listed in the 1940 catalogue and sales brochures as an RE.

Thanks Jan

According to Jan “Rijkskeur” is the Dutch equivalent of British Standard. The Rijkskeur organisation had to check if the safety equipment of a bike / motorcycle / car was OK. The badge means that this Miller headlight was approved “OK”…

Stepping back slightly, I have already shown this to Jan but the picture is an original 1939 Royal Baby headlamp with the electrical certification badge.

I was aware that this was not a military vehicle, more part of military vehicle history. I should also state that I did speak at length with, or consult documents by, a number of people prior to purchase and should thank Jan, Ant, the REOC and Lex as well as others.

Stumbled across a Royal Baby on the internet and bought it. Having checked the details it was delivered in July 1939 and has the original frame and engine numbers (factory and official) as well as the Royal Baby VIN plate. (I am aware that the head is on the wrong way round).