I recently acquired a 1954 Major Nicholls frame on ebay out of Australia. The
frame itself is in remarkably good condition with the exception of a broken
rear derailleur cable stop. I was disappointed in the finish as I expected to
be in "as found, 1961" condition. Apparently they make a hobby down there of
repainting racing bikes almost every year. The seller said he got it in this
condition, and I would describe it as heavily retouched. The hand lettering
on the down tube has been "freshened", the paint resprayed or brushed over
everything except the original head tube and down tube decals. Those have
been painted a little more than just "up to" with a brush. It needs to be
redone and I don't want to do it. Seat tube is 24" ctt. I can send
measurements to someone who want to buy it. I'm in it $230 + $50 shipping.
$200 takes it away, plus shipping. I think that's a reasonable price even
considering the finish, which looks ok from about 10 feet. My disappointment
can be your gain.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA