David, thanks for your interest. The thing you refer to is the brake cable. It's wrapped around the frame. This bike has been in our shed for years and not used since for many years. There's no chain and the brakes are shot. Please see the photos. It's and great bike for a project.
There is a crack at the top of the post, see pic. The post is seized and missing the clamp. The frame is 19" measured from the top of the seat tube.
Location: Hungerford, West Berkshire. Collection only. Firm price is £250.