Re: [CR]Mario Masi ??????

Nick,

I say that one is NOT a Mario Confente built Masi. If it were built in Carlsbad we could say that Mario brazed it. In this case it's a Milano built Italian Masi. Mario was the sub-contractor associated with the frames stamped with the "V" (for Verona). Mario frames of that period will also have the two or three holes drilled in the front tang of the seat lug and also in the fork tangs. All of the Italian Masis from that period have the "enlarged" window cutout in the BB sockets (for DT and ST) in the shape of the triangle (has nothing to do with Marios' spades later on. When Mario worked for Masi, Mario WORKED for Masi; they made sure of it) as opposed to the oblong shape of the Carlsbad Masis. There will be a date (month and year) stamped on the steerer of the fork which represents when the fork was built. It then had to go to the plater while the corresponding frames were being built by the sub-contractors. Therefore the actual date of completion after chrome and paint was probably a least a month or two later than the date stamped on the fork.

Funny, those who knew what it actually is wanted the auction to end early and now the seller is a little too enthusiastic about what he has. I believe I just gave out the straight facts. Hope that helps everyone. Good Luck!

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA