WD16H engine and frame numbers  (iss 138)

Looking at the various lists available, it seems that there are gaps in the numbers known versus the numbers expected. One way to try to fill these gaps is by making an inventory of all existing numbers. This wil inevitably be an incomplete inventory (many bikes lost, not everybody responding etc) , but it will hopefully give some insight in the numbers. 

Norton used a rather confusing system to number frames and engines from the early start. Frames and engines were numbered at manufacture but there is no link between them, nor any prefix used. Hence, all pre war military Nortons had different i.e. "non matching" engine and frame numbers.
With the start of the purely military production the frame and engine numbers were matched and given a 16H model specific "W" prefix starting with W1000 on  October 7th 1939. 

Initially, spare frames and engines were numbered in line with the ordered M/C's. On later contracts it is not clear if the spare Frame numbers were consequetive with the contract M/C's but many frames have been found with a number in the 50.000 to 60.000 range, without a W prefix, and fitted to MC's with a rebuilt census number which indicates the to have been spare frames, see also Key Card page.

Frequently found are engines with an AS prefix.  These are Army Spare engines. The number of frames (and sometimes engines) found without the W may however be an indication that the correct numbering of spare/replacement frames  might not have been so rigorously followed. It may also indicate to a number of parts made but never used for any bikes, dumped on the market after the war.  

Dating the bikes based on the contract numbers is a tricky issue. Bikes made on a contract date in one year could very well have been delivered the next year. I added the most likely manufacturing year without pretending to know it exactly!
It will be corrected if new information becomes available.

Through the years, many frames have had either a rash or some other dermatological disease. Many frames are showing a variety of numbers on various positions. All the result of attempts to give it another identity by either official entities or owners fitting a frame to the paperwork they have.
The only valid position for a Norton applied frame number is on the left hand front petrol tank frame lug casting. Engine number is found on the left top corner of the left crankcase half, see pictures below. Also found on many early engines is a Quality control stamp consisting of a broad arrow over an M and with a number underneath. On all engines, bore and stroke are given at the right hand upper corner.

Headstock frame casting numbers are found at the left, aft side on the steering head, saddle casting number is found on the left-hand side below the saddle. I also have found different casting numbers on steering head and saddle casting. If anyone has these numbers, please add them.
Many petrol tanks have individual numbers at the bottom, front forks have individual numbers at front lower cross brace. Gearboxes also have an identifying serial number.

Finally, adding the gearbox casting and serial number might give some info as well. I will add numbers to additional lists if it is useful.  

If you want to help unravel the past, please send me your frame and engine numbers (and preferably the others as well).
If you want to have your bike on the website, send a picture.
I will only add bikes to the website after the owner has given his written consent unless its a museum piece or advertised for sale!

Note: In case a frame number is not known or  not applied by Norton, the engine number of the MC is "assumed" to be matching  and the MC added in the list accordingly.

  mail to:  "info at wdnorton.nl"