5

Motorcycle Plate 5 (NSW Heritage)

Buyers are responsible for payment of all transfer fees prescribed by Service NSW. The primary image of the plate is for illustration purposes only and the font on the actual plates may vary slightly. The secondary image is the original plate designed for the front wheel and made from vitreous enamelled steel. There is only one plate (printed each side). This can obviously be handed in and re-printed for modern day usage as per the primary image.
History:
- The Motor Traffic Act of 1909 stated that all vehicles were to be fitted with a distinguishing number plate. For motorcycles it was a double-sided front plate made of steel to be positioned in line with the front wheel featuring a black number over a white vitreous enamel background starting at No1.
- In 1938, the colours were reversed and white numbers and lettering appeared on a black background. In 1951, they were changed again to black numbering and lettering on a yellow background.
- In 1951, a pseudo letter was sent from the 'Minister of Transport' to all who held black and white combination plates asking that they be returned and replaced with the new yellow and black version.
- Mr Joe Moore, senior founder of Hazell and Moore, Sydney's largest motorcycle dealership and then holder of plate 5 amongst others, brought the letter to the attention of his legal team. They concluded that the number plates were issued by the 'Inspector general of police' of the day and their use could not be overruled by the 'Minister of Transport' so they ignored the letter. Consequently, the letter of demand was rescinded, and all holders of black and white combination plates were allowed to go on displaying such.
- Subsequently, Hazell and Moore continued to use their motorcycles with number plates 1,3,5,10, 34, and 47 attached. When Hazell and Moore closed their doors, the plates were auctioned off on motorbikes (we believe postie bikes of the day).
- No 5 was bought by Jack Forrest who held it for many years.

  • Condition: All lots are offered on an “as is” basis. While we make every effort to identify and disclose imperfections, the absence of such details in the catalogue does not imply that a lot is free from defects. Catalogue descriptions and condition reports are provided as opinions only and should not be regarded as statements of fact. Lawsons reserves the right to amend catalogue entries or descriptions at any time prior to the sale without notice. Requests for condition reports must be submitted no later than two (2) hours before the scheduled closing of a timed sale or the start of a live auction.

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April 15, 2026 6:30 PM AEST
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$14 A$15
A$15 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$199 A$10
A$200 A$299 A$20
A$300 A$499 A$25
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$2,999 A$200
A$3,000 A$9,999 A$250
A$10,000 A$49,999 A$500
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$1,000
A$100,000 A$999,999 A$2,500
A$1,000,000 A$2,499,999 A$10,000
A$2,500,000 + A$25,000