The famous FN ( Fabrique Nationale) concern was established in Herstal, near Liege in Belgium during 1889 under a government contract to manufacture 150,000 Mauser 1889 rifles for the Belgian armed forces, establishing a tradition of arms manufacture that continues to this day. The company diversified into vehicle production during the pioneer period, producing bicycles, cars, trucks, the construction of which continued until 1970 and possibly most famously motorcycles, becoming the leading make in Belgium and a major force throughout the low countries, with production continuing until the late fifties. The during the early years the firms products met with considerable competition success in long distance events demonstrating their durability. From the outset of production FN machines incorporated innovative design features, they were among the first to employ shaft drive on their machines, a tradition that continued until 1924 when chain drive supplanted the shaft due to cost constraints in a difficult market.
The first motorcycles produced were fitted with either 225cc and 286cc single cylinder engines and were followed in 1905 by the introduction of the first of the famous in line four cylinder models displacing either 496cc or 748cc. As a means of promoting the new design M F Osmont rode an example around Europe before arriving outside the Paris Salon for the opening of the 1904 exhibition. In 1909 a new lightweight single cylinder model was introduced weighing 120lbs.
This particular machine was never restored and highly in original condition. It displays the innovative engineering that characterised FN products with the engine being suspended between a twin down tube frame with the crankshaft running in line. It is fitted with a acetylene front lamp The brass fuel tank is complimented by black cycle parts and plated front forks. Note all the beautifull patinated original condition.