Yet another mystery frame thread

Southwestslacker1 · Oct 27, 2018

Yet another mystery frame has crossed my path. It had been stripped and resprayed before I got it so there were no clues but here’s what I know.
It’s pretty light and well put together, wrap over stays and nice lugs.
Curved brake bridge.
RGF bottom bracket.
Faintest trace of ‘brev’ on one rear dropout so Campagnolo?
120 and 519 stamped on both B.B. shell and steerer tube.
68mm BB shell
120mm rear dropout spacing
Any ideas?

https://www.flickr.com/gp/157053716@N06/6V2V39

keithglos · Oct 28, 2018

Re:

The general look of the frame suggests mid 1960s. You can hope someone recognises the numbering system, obviously a small builder.

Two things might help, the rear brake bridge and the forks appear to be very neatly shaped by the builder, not a 531 blade as supplied.

Keith

Southwestslacker1 · Oct 29, 2018

Thanks for the information, it’s in good condition then if it’s that old. I didn’t realise derailleur hangers went back that far.

Old Ned · Oct 29, 2018

Looking at the neat wrapover and brazing, I wonder if it could be a Roger Kowalski built Clive Stuart? He used this design and passed it on through Paul Washington to Brian Rourke's son who builds the BR frames these days, hence the similarity.

Midlife · Oct 29, 2018

Johnny Berry also dabbled with that style of wrapover, whatever it is its a classy frame

Southwestslacker1 · Oct 29, 2018

Re:

Yeah, it’s really nice, i especially like the fork crown with the letterbox brazing window. It’s a bit small for me, I got it years ago for the fixed gear bits that were on it and it’s been in a cupboard ever since.
I’d like to paint it up appropriately and pass it on to someone who will get some good use from it.
I don’t really know where to start with finding information on the smaller frame builders, it seems the way the serial number is stamped could be clue.

Southwestslacker1 · Oct 29, 2018

Re:

Found a very detailed article on Johnny Berry frames, a lot seems consistent, style, crown, brake bridge etc but the serial number is a different format from his by the looks of it.

Southwestslacker1 · Feb 29, 2020

So here’s me dragging up an old thread, still not had any joy finding out what it is but I’ve thrown some paint over it, might help to resurrect the search. If anyone can help it would be great

non-fixie · Feb 29, 2020

Lovely frame set!

Early to mid-sixties would be my guesstimate as well. The hole in the drive-side dropout is for the short-lived Campagnolo Sport derailleur, which was introduced ~1960.

keithglos · Feb 29, 2020

Re:

Campagnolo Sport was a single roller gear with the parallel arms sprung from the top bronze casting. Used on many Italian commuters with close ratios.
I bought the last ones I could find in the UK in mid 50s.
By using the top sprung casting from the Sport on the standard GS we produced a far better gear change. Easy to tap out the alloy rivets and reuse them. Simplex held the patent for gears with sprung arm and roller cage, so Campagnolo couldn't do it.

Keith

Yet another mystery frame thread

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