Help to identify a 1920-ish 4 h.p. (?) Douglas frame

[cardan]

Can anyone help to ID this frame? I would have said 4 horse; and from the ID page I'd say something 1919 or later (it has an unbraced steering head). The problem is with the frame number, which is stamped on the seat lug. Is this the usual location on a 4 horse? Unfortunately a happy driller has been to work and the number seems to read 15 (hole) 30. In the ID table, the highest listed number for a 4 horse (1923) is 14731. From the rear stays the bike seems to have been belt drive. Could it be one of the last belt-drive 4 h.p. bikes from 1923 (Model B)? Or is there another model with the gearbox on the motor (no frame mounts for the box) that I'm missing?
Cheers
Leon

(Added: The front down tubes are round, even if they may look D section in the photo.)

[cardan]

Thanks to members who sent info by personal message. Consensus is that the frame is from a late (c1923) 4 h.p. It belongs to a friend, but may be available if anyone needs it.

Leon

[wilf]

Hi Leon

I have a 4 hp B23 with a frame number 15674 so the number appears to be pretty close to my bike, the frame looks to be identical. Whilst I do not need the frame I would be happy to consider to purchase it and hold onto it just in case of a serious problem.  Wilf     

[cardan]

Hi Wilf,
Thanks for the additional info - I guess these frames were right at the end of the production run for this model. I guess in my dreams it would be nice for the frame to go to someone who is restoring a very rusty B23, but perhaps these days there a few people restoring vintage bikes from collections of rust bits? I've already had interest from someone who wants to use parts of the frame for another model, but I'll keep you in mind. In the meantime I'll put a note over on the "for sale" board.
Cheers
Leon