Art,
Is this one of those "which came first; the chicken or the egg?" questions? I'm not even close to a authority on "pre-Eisentraut" American frames, but my impression is that Albert ushered in the "current" American era. Albert learned from Oscar and Emil Wastyn in Chicago from what I understand, so that makes them the "egg" perhaps. I haven't seen any of those frames but I suspect they look pretty much like the rest of the older American builders' frames. I think Albert began to interpret frames in a different way. Like Dave Feldman mentioned; It would be VERY interesting to see an early 60's Eisentraut. So interesting in fact that I would like to begin a quest.
Let's see if we can turn up the oldest known Eisentraut frame in existance. Almost afraid to ask Albert about this, but I'll do it when I have a few minutes. My curiousity is growing on this issue. I would really like to see how the change from "old style" frames (lugs with floating headset bearings and clamp-type headsets) to the modern design happened. I wonder if early Eisentrauts look like Wastyn frames? Anyone have any examples, in real or in photos? Anyone have a Wastyn we can check out also? Somewhere in there a major change seems to have taken place. Anyone have the Missing Link? Is it big and hairy and leaves giant tire prints??
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
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> If Eisentraut is the father of American frame building, where does Emil Wastyn fit in.
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> Art Smith
> Curious in Phoenix, Az