Hi Frank, Geez, I wasn't paying much attention to the Raleighs when this bike was new. Based on the characteristics, I'd guess this to be a mid 80's bike, plus or minus a few years. Maybe the most unique feature is that tapped hole partway down the bottom of the down tube. I think that's for a Flick- stand; a funky gadget that would lock the front wheel in place, preventing the bike from falling down when you lean it against a fence.
The chromed headtube, stays and forks are nice touches, and might indicate a good frame. No tubing decals? If it's made of a decent tubing (chome-moly, or Reynolds), you should get a ringing sound when you tap the top tube with a fingernail.
I wish I could tell you more, but I didn't save any Raleigh stuff from that era.
Steve Kurt Peoria, IL (still clinging to the idea that "real" Raleighs are from England)
From: "Retrofan531" <Retrofan531@cox.net>
"I just received an older Raleigh and am looking for some help identifying it. I have not taken any pics yet, but will do my best to describe it. I hope it falls within the time line for this forum.
It has been painted, so not sure of the original color. It is fully lugged. Looks like the serial number on the bottom of the bb shell is 4C500104. Also looks like an "N" and the "R" as in registered trademark are stamped. The headtube, full length of the seat and chain stays, and fork are chromed. The top of the chromed seat stays have "RALEIGH" engraved in them. It has three braze-on loops on the top of the top tube for the rear brake cable routing. It has braze-on shifter bosses on the downtube. It has one threaded hole under the down tube about a fourth of the way from the top. The headtube badge is metal and reads "Raleigh Cycle Company of America". There are shifter cable guides under the bottom bracket shell. The fork is a flat crown with Raleigh logo and what looks like a victory wreath engraved. Tange is stamped on the steerer. No eyelets on the fork or stays for fenders/racks."