Wolverhampton-based motorcycle manufacturer Diamond, ceased production in 1933 after a period of poor sales. The company continued to exist for many years, after developing a completely new and different range of products.

In October 1931 motorcycle manufacturer A.J.S. went into voluntary liquidation. At the time they made sidecars using the 'Graiseley' name. Walter Vincent Ford, Diamond's managing director, was approached by Alec Holder, who had worked for Clyno as a draughtsman, and Harold Nock, who later acquired D.M.W. with the idea of acquiring the A.J.S. sidecar business in order to manufacture sidecars and supply them to existing A.J.S. customers. As a result, Diamond Motors purchased the A.J.S. sidecar business, together with the 'Graiseley' trade mark for £475, and continued to produce 'Graiseley' sidecars for ex-A.J.S. customers, including Swallow.

In 1935 the business moved to the old Villiers foundry building in Upper Villiers Street, Wolverhampton, and extended the product range to include the 'Graiseley' pedestrian controlled electric truck. It initially proved popular as a cheap milk delivery vehicle, but then found uses in hospitals, factories, and warehouses, where its fumeless, noiseless, and economical operation, made it an ideal form of transport.


The bare chassis, patent number 503604, which was available separately. Courtesy of Brian Shaw.


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.

 
A 'Graiseley' truck
in operation.


The 'Graiseley' electric milk float.

 


From a brochure. Courtesy of Brian Shaw.

An advert from 1949.

   


'Graiseley' trucks in use at a northern Co-operative dairy. Courtesy of Brian Shaw.


From a brochure. Courtesy of Brian Shaw.
 
 
During World War 2 the company produced gun carriages and electric trucks for the War Department, and also did machining for the Air Ministry. After the war production of electric trucks resumed. Production of 'Graiseley' products continued until around 1960 when the company went into liquidation.

The different bodies:

 


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.

 
 


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.

 
 


Courtesy of Brian Shaw.


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