Magnat-Debon, founded by Joseph Magnat and Louis Debon, was at first based in Lyon, France and later in Grenoble, capital of the French Alps. They made bicycles in an ultra-modern, self-contained factory from 1893 and motorcycles from 1902, both in the same black and green color-scheme, powered by both two- and four-stroke engines. The factory became part, in 1923, of the large Terrot cycle and motorcycle empire based in Dijon.

By 1929, Magnat-Debon was a 'sous-marque' of Terrot whereby Terrot bikes would be the latest models, Magnat Debon being identical but a season later and lower priced. Often self-defeating, since the financially cautious French public often bought greater numbers of the lowest-priced. Terrot/Magnat Debon finally closed its doors in 1962.

The strength of Magnat-Debon was their between-wars, touring range, the side-valves, such as this one, being light, frugal and immensely reliable. This machine has delicious patina, being 'dans son jus'(original and as found.). Needing no restoration, it has a full set of original components including the rare monogrammed silencers, tool-bags and Marchal headlight. Exceptionally rare in the US, it merits an equally careful succeeding owner.