I have only just spotted the new pictures of the frame prior to being unwrapped - with the frame number clearly written 972641 - this indeed confirms that this frame was built in July 1949. Now however it is time for me to eat humble pie, I have just reread my 1949 catalogue carefully - the model with the 'Continental' lugs that year was indeed the World's Championship Path Model No 24 - the lugs used obviously changed for the 1951 season.
Hilary Stone, Bristol, England