Built by Bard Cycle Manufacturing Co of Barn Street, Birmingham. The firm was established in 1895 by George William Hands and Arthur Cake. Hands at the time was in his early 20s.
Bard motorcycles were produced in 1898.
The Birmingham-based cycle firm was one of the earliest makers of motorised tricycles at the end of the nineteenth century.
The Bard tricycle had a 2¼ hp De Dion engine hung out behind the rear axle in a heavy-duty frame with braced forks. The fuel tank went behind the saddle and the battery box under the top tube. The front wheel was fitted with an external-contracting band brake.
The Bard enterprise was not successful. George Hands went on to establish the Calthorpe company, which fared considerably better.
Sources: Graces Guide; calthorpe.info.
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