Brad,
Very interesting list. No doubt this information will be helpful in our study. To me there still looks like some confusion as to what is what. For me, looking at just the numbers doesn't always tell me everything I want to know. In many cases the various traits help determine more accurately when a particular frame was built. The lugs and how they are shaped and filed tell a lot. Obviously the introduction of the investment cast lugs signifies a certain time period. A few more bits of info on each frame would be helpful.
I see some interesting things on your list. It will take time sort it out in my mind; but you're deffinitely on to something. Previously I have thought that the frames with 4 digets and a zero were over 1000. That is still true as far as I can tell, but there may be some that have only 3 numbers but begin with "0" that are frames in the 1000's. The frames should have a few subtle differences that should help us decide which way it goes. Eventually I will take the list and some questions to the person who actually did the stamping and try to extract his recollection of how he went about this crazy numbering sequence. I'll bet it's facinating.
Sorry Bruce for all this tat, but some of us find this interesting. Nothing personal.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
TAT capital of the world
> Masi numbering fans:
>
> Without really knowing anything for sure, I propose that the Masi on
Ebay numbered 035/MC58 refers to a serial number of 1035, because I
suspicion that the Masi with serial number 35 might have been marked:
58/MC35.
>
> Below is a sparse list of info on early US Masi bikes that have appeared
on ebay or been mentioned on the list. I have listed them in what I think is
the correct order, except for the last 4 which don't provide a big enough
hint to an innocent onlooker such as myself. I started keeping track
perhaps 2 years ago. I have jpgs of a third of 'em. My own -- which was
recently restored by Ed Litton to its original ravishing turquoise blue --
is marked 61/MC96.
>
> Regarding the Bottom Bracket stampings: "top tab" refers to what is
stamped on the bottom-bracket-down-tube attaching tab above the cutout
(towards the downtube), while "bottom tab" refers to what is stamped on the
tab below the cutout (towards the bracket).
>
> Regarding the decals: US or IT reflects the nationality of the seat-tube
decals, if known.
>
> I hope the mail system keeps the columns of my table lined up!
>
> And if I've made a typo and messed up data on a bike you own or are a
witness to, by all means send me a correction.
>
> Brad Stockwell
> (sometimes known as: Zeus Lifter!)
> Palo Alto
>
> "AN EARLY US MASI LIST"
> BB STAMPINGS Fork
> top tab bottom tab Crown Decals
>
> A57 1S19 box ?
> 58 MC23 twinplate ?
> 58 MC28 twinplate ?
> 56 MC32 twinplate IT
> 58 MC42 twinplate IT
> 61 MC96 twinplate IT
> 119 MC58 twinplate ?
> 135 MC58 twinplate IT
> 172 MC60 twinplate ?
> 179 MC60 twinplate ?
> 186 MC60 twinplate ?
> 196 MC54 twinplate USA
> 230 MC54 box ?
> 241 MC55 twinplate IT
> 318 MC56 ? ?
> 331 MC58 box ?
> 333 MC54 twinplate ?
> 438 MC60 ? ?
> 488 MC(blank) sawcuts IT
> 547 MC62 box USA
> 670 MC58 twinplate USA
> 672 MC58 ? ?
> 679 MC58 twinplate ?
> 794 MC56 box USA
> 990 MC61 ? ?
> 026 MC65 ? ?
> 028 MC65 box USA
> 034 MC65 box USA
> 035 MC58 box USA
> 044 MC58 box ?
> 0157 MC55 ? USA
> 0296 MC59 ? USA
> 0315 MC50 twinplate USA
> 58 (blank) box ?
> 57 (blank) box ?
> (blank) MC59 box ?
> (blank) MC61 ? ?
>
>
>
>
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