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With the name derived from a Tibetan Buddhist symbol, it was built in South Australia.
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Today in Motorcycle History

Rolfe Motorcycles

Rolfe 1912 Precision Combination

Manufactured by Herbert Rolfe, 30 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat c.1914-1915.

An advertisement stated "Rolfe Motors are your best investment in Motors - like the Cycles are Sure, Safe, Speedy, and Guaranteed".

Born in Birmingham, England, his father was cyclist John Rolfe. Herbert enlisted in 1916 at the age of 39 and was repatriated from France by hospital ship in 1917.

It appears Herbert was declared insolvent whilst serving with the AIF.

NEW INSOLVENTS Herbert Rolfe, [316] Doveton St Ballarat, cycle manufacturer. Debts, £990/18/1; assets of £187; deficiency, £124/18/1. Causes of insolvency - inability to collect money owing to depression in trade and pressure of creditors. Mr T. Jones, assignee.

The Ballarat Courier, 5 June, 1916, p. 7. ( Trove NLA)

Sources: Federation University Historical Collection - bih.federation.edu.au; Trove; Graham Clayton

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