The tank on my 1957 B31 (looks correct with round badges and knee pads) is painted Silver sides (not chrome) and devon red? Does look a very professional (factory) finish.
My question is did BSA ever use painted only tanks on the B31?
I have only seen a couple of photos on the net painted like this and one of those was black not red.
Old photo from when I first bought the bike so a few things are incorrect for a 1957!
By 1957 I believe they would always be chrome. There were chrome and nickel (a base for chrome plating) shortages just after the war but 1957 my understanding is supplies are back to normal.
OK thanks
Whoever painted it did a good job anyway!
Some B31 supplied to fleet users, UK and overseas, would have had a more basic no chrome tank finish, like those supplied to the UK Auxiliary Fire service.