OHC Cammy engine

The engine number should be on the left side crankcase, just below the cylinder. As per all other Nortons I've seen. Though I don't know if spare crankcases had any number. Factory records could give some more information.

Sorry, can't tell what year, fins around shaft don't look exactly as any I have.Guess second half of the fifties.

Hi Steve,

  Yes this is the crankcase casting number and B A stands for British Aluminium (Company) who made the castings. This engine dates from 1959 onwards as it has the spline drive vertical shaft with no separate bevel gear housings. It looks like it has some fin damage so I would want to check it over before parting with a substantial sum of money. These engines were prone to cracking the timing side crankcase through the oil pump recess and main bearing opening so you would need to take off the cover to check this out.

The state of the external says well used, (note the wear on mag chain cover where the exhaust has rubbed), nicely put together during its working career but running with the damage and dirt would say it was not cared for to the best of levels. Therefore heed Richards advise. 
 Good luck
Jon

Even in that state you can feel the magic in it.  I do hope you get it to run.  I have a lifelong  dream to  have a canter on a  plunger manx  like the one my hero Harold Daniel rode  in the  IOM. Think I may have to sell a couple of bikes and buy one.