New Purchase. Unidentified 40's or 50's Bondwood 14'6"

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Willies, Akeepsake and Kingswood308,

So I take it that Kingswood308's info about the date of issue of the registration number places an 'at the latest' date on the van of 1953? It will be fascinating to hear how that fits in with whatever the son of the previous owner can tell Willies. Can't wait to hear what comes out of the conversation, even though we know such memories are (quite understandably) not always totally reliable.

Just an additional thought, and accepting Willies point about the front table being an addition, I would have expected that the table leg on the larger table would have been wooden if it was early 50's or before that. Maybe the larger table is a later addition as well to go with the colour scheme?

Don Ricardo

[kingswood308]

That's when the plate was last issued Don.

[willies]

Woohoo!
Now have the van at home.

We have been through all cupboards and drawers and there is diddly squat to show who made it. I have been in contact with the daughter of the previous owner and she isn't able to shed any light. Always remembers it in her childhood. Hoping for photos if any.

Now the fun begins. Need to have the running gear checked out as the brakes aren't active, no handbrake, cross ply tyres need replacing, have the leaf springs checked as they appear flat and maybe rewire the taillights etc as the trailer light board isn't within the character of the van.

If anyone has any ideas re the maker that would be helpful.

[akeepsake]

Glad it s home safe and sound ! Now the fun begins!
If you check under the draws and even look up under the cupboards behind any fixed mirrors etc you may find a date and builders name
I recall somewhere here where someone found the owners names and build date under the roof canvas when they removed it for repairs so you never know ??
Also plywood trade stamps will give you some idea of manufacture date if your lucky .
Looking forward to what you find!!!

[willies]

I have now removed all cupboard doors to get ready for painting and I have also removed the mirror on the wardrobe door. Alas there is no date recorded behind the mirror and there is nothing written under the sink area or drawer. I have been able to identify the sink as there is a brand on the underside. NACO Acrylic. Will have to see what I can find out about this brand.