In Latin and certain Italian dialects, Sertum means ‘wreath’ or ‘garland’, (or perhaps ‘crown’) such as is awarded to victorious athletes. For a short time, the Sertum motorcycle, manufactured in Milan by Fausto Alberti, was victorious itself, given that it was referred to as one of the Pentarchia, or ‘Big Five’ in the industry, the others being Motor Guzzi, Gilera, Benelli and Bianchi. Quite illustrious company indeed. Yet by 1952, Sertum was gone, kaput, bancarotta.
Alberti’s original business was the manufacture of precision instruments, but in 1922 he opened a new factory in Milan to build industrial engines, which were also adapted for use in small watercraft. The business flourished and with increased capital and confidence, Alberti began eyeing the motorcycle industry. This was no easy scene to break into,…
