BSA 75 badge

[Jean-Luc]

Hello !
Who knows the meaning of this badge   BSA 75 ?

On my 1933  350 Blue Star .

Thanks ! 

[David Samways]

The Blue Star was awarded to a motorcycle that lapped Brooklands at 85 mph. On the 500 models the star has 85 written in the middle. Whether a standard 500 Blue Star could do more than 85 mph (in order to record that lap speed) seems unlikely to me - it might have been capable of a top speed of 85, but I don't fancy testing the hypothesis! Presumably, the 350 models were marketed in the same way but with a "top" speed of 75.

[Jean-Luc]

Many thanks David for this fast answer.
So it could be an original badge then...
I have not seen this on other Blue stars .

There is an equivalent tag on the rear mudguard ... No so well preserved though .

Original paint then ?

[David Samways]

That appears to be a rather original looking mudguard - I'm envious!

[David Samways]

Pic of my '34 BS 500 timing chest.

[Jean-Luc]

Pic of my '34 BS 500 timing chest.

Should my 75 Star badge look like your 85 Star then ?
How can I know if this ( brass ?) badge exists under my blue and white  emblem ?

[David Samways]

My feeling is that that badge isn't origiginal, but I'm not certain. Cornucopia Enterprises in Germany have the star badges - http://www.cornucopia-enterprises.de/bsa-q7q8.html

[David Samways]

This 1932 machine looks like it has an enamel badge http://suprememotos.com/bsa/100470-bsa-blue-star-1932-ohv-350-barn-find-restoration-project-vintage-sports-model.html

In my experience, it is very difficult to determine originiality on these pre-war machines. Other marques, Rudge for example, are much better supported where it comes to a knowledge and documentation base. Because BSA produced so many different models over a long period it's difficult to pin down exact authenticity.

David

[David Samways]

Just happened across this image and thought you might like to see it.