Motorcycle [DKW]
Maker and role
Dampf-Kraft-Wagen, Manufacturer
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Object detail
Accession number
2010.480
Maker
Production period
Description
A two stroke motorcycle with a black engine cover and a black seat with white piping. There is white detailing around the wheel guard and steering handle. On the top of the wheel guard is a painted sign: 'DKW' which stands for Dampf-Kraft-Wagen, the German company who manufactured the motorcycle.
Brief History
Dampf-Kraft-Wagen or DKW was a German company originally set up to produce steam fittings; the English translation of DKW being steam-driven car. In 1919 founder Jorgen Skafte Rasmussen made a two-stroke toy engine called Des Knaben Wunsch meaning “the boy’s desire”. He modified this version for a motorcycle and called it Das Kleine Wunder “the little Marvel”, which sparked the beginning of the brand. By the 1930s DKW was the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.
DKW produced very renowned two-stroke models, such as this one, which were widely reproduced both officially and unofficially during the 1950s. After World War II the design drawings of the DWK RT125 were given to Harley-Davidson in the USA and BSA in the UK as reparations for the war. The Harley Davidson version was known as the Hummer, while BSA used them for the Bantam.
DKW produced very renowned two-stroke models, such as this one, which were widely reproduced both officially and unofficially during the 1950s. After World War II the design drawings of the DWK RT125 were given to Harley-Davidson in the USA and BSA in the UK as reparations for the war. The Harley Davidson version was known as the Hummer, while BSA used them for the Bantam.
Marks
DKW Maker's Mark
Credit Line
Dampf-Kraft-Wagen. Motorcycle [DKW], 2010.480. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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