Brief History of the Marque: Royal Ruby
Royal Ruby motorcycles were built from 1909 at Cannel St , Ancoats (Manchester)
factory which had previously only been making cycles (Ruby Cycle Co.).
They were relatively successful though expensive and ambitiously tried
to make as much as possible on site, though the engines were JAP or Villiers
with the 'Royal Ruby' name cast on, and the sidecars probably bought in
from Mills Fulford
A wide range of models were advertised (in 1914) from 250cc 2-strokes
and 4-strokes to 3, 4,5, 6 & 8hp twins as well as a 'Ladies Model'
with dropped frame.
Financial trouble arrived in 1919-20, possibly as a result of non-payment
for a large batch of machines delivered to the Russian Government in 1916.
A second batch were dispersed on the home market but that was rather flushed
with ex-wd machines in 1919 and losses were inevitable. The assets of the
bankrupt company were acquired by a new board which included some of the
original management and a new factory was found on Moss Lane Altringham
where production of an entirely new range with an 'Indian' (or possibly
Beardmore)-inspired sprung frame began in 1921.
Again the market was not impressed by value and only a small number
were sold before the firm again went bust in 1922 and was offered for sale
as 'a going concern ' on Dec 12th. Some assembled machines appeared
in ads in 1923-24 but the name was bought by Albert Horrocks of Bolton
in 1927 and he started with a completely new saddle-tank machine for the
1928 season with bought in Villiers and JAP engines and Albion and Sturmey
gearboxes. The only unusual feature was extra double stays either side
of the front down tube which had dubious technical advantage.
Having also advertised a 3-wheel cyclecar under the Royal Ruby name
in 1927, this enterprise was left to it's designer Maurice Edwards (there
is no evidence that more than a prototype was made) who manufactured small
numbers to his design under the 'MEB' brand name. There is
no evidence that motorcycle production carried on after 1931, though occasional
adverts in the trade press suggest that odd machines may have been assembled
from remaining spares up to 1933. There are around 15 survivors worldwide,
mainly from the prolific Ancoats period.
I am happy to attempt to answer any queries.
Adrian Holden
Mon Sep 10 2007
aholden.photography<at>blueyonder.co.uk
..............
Tragatsch give years as 1909-1933, and says that the marque used engines
of its own manufacture as well as JAP singles and V-Twins, and Villiers
two-strokes. The fact that Royal Ruby incorporated its own castings onto
proprietary engines explains this error.
If you have a query about Royal Ruby Motorcycles, or wish to share some
information about these classic British machines, please contact
us!
