Russian Army Royal Ruby
Danish TCM reader Peter Unger wrote to confirm he’s started the restoration of his 976cc 8HP Royal Ruby, which was supplied by the factory (then the Ruby Cycle Co. Ltd. of Cannel Street, Ancoats, Manchester) to the Russian Army during the First
World War. Peter questions the supplied colours and asks should it be green rather than Royal Ruby’s usual black enamel, often with red panels lined in gold to the petrol tank.
From memory, I believe the Ruby Cycle works supplied about 200 to 300 of these machines to the Russian forces, with most finished in a dark green. But I cannot find any written evidence to back up memories, which aren’t always reliable, thus please help if you can. A similar number of Sunbeams were supplied to the Russian military during the First World War.
The big V-twin Royal Ruby used by the Russian forces followed the lines of their civilian model of the early war period and immediately after the First World War. They were powered by JAP 8hp (85.5x85mm) side-valve V-twin engines with Jardine two and later three-speed gearboxes, though The Motor Cycle states the factory also offered a three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. And factory literature also confirms they fitted their own Royal Ruby three-speed gearbox to some models; this looks exactly like a Jardine three-speed gearbox. Incidentally, Jardine also made a four-speed gearbox, although it’s unclear if Royal Ruby ever used this.
In common with many rivals, Royal Ruby offered a surprisingly extensive range just before the First World War and during the first two years of the conflict. This range included 269cc Villiers powered lightweights with or without gearboxes, four-stroke machines of up to 500cc usually with JAP side-valve engines and three V-twin models, all with 50 degree JAP engines, including the 8hp model Peter has, plus a 3½ (4)hp 500cc model with dimensions of 70 x 64.5, and the 6hp 770cc with dimensions of 76 x 85mm. Into the early 1920s, the factory offered machines with full front and rear suspension using leaf spring controlled forks.
By 1921, Royal Ruby proudly boasted many models listed as ‘All On,’ implying the machine was fully equipped and customers wouldn’t need to buy any extras. Two years later, the company, then the Royal Ruby Co Ltd, was liquidated. Later restructured, the Royal Ruby Cycle Co returned to manufacturing a range of light and medium weight machines using Villiers and JAP engines. The period trade guides listed these motorcycles from circa 1927/8 to 1933 inclusive, with the maker’s address given as Bradshawgate, Bolton, Lancs.