[CR]NOW: First Campagnolo box WAS: BVVW report

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Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 00:05:33 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: CR <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <3EF102A1.9EE434D9@optonline.net> <00fa01c3360a$3bd58e10$1bb4580c@D1KBTP11>
Subject: [CR]NOW: First Campagnolo box WAS: BVVW report

John Pergolizzi wrote:
> (cut)
> Has any one in the group ever seen a Campagnolo box like the one in my
> hot little hands?

http://tinyurl.com/eo6w
> Box reads"cambio velocita
> (senza tendicatena) e galletti automatici" . Roughly translated as "quick
> changer(without chain holder) and automatic handle(meaning quick release).
> Or even the lettering style on any thing else campy? Any ideas as to date?
> Chuck? Steve?

What follows is just my opinion:

The box looks to me like it would be Campagnolo's first style of box. The style of the typefaces used on the box predate the start of Campagnolo, S.R.L. in 1933. This box would have been designed by the box manufacturer with the typefaces they had on hand. Note that they didn't use Campagnolo's logotype (the famous script was designed by the printer of Campagnolo's letterhead).

As to the meaning of "Galletti automatici"... The No.12 catalog (1953) I copied not only had the original Italian parts descriptions, but also translations into German, French, Spanish and English. "Bloccaggio" is the "Quick Release" and "Gallettino di registrazione a pressione automatica brevettato" is the "Patented automatic pressure adjusting wing nut" on the end of the QR.

The Campagnolo catalogs list "Mozzi Calibrati" or "Calibrated Hubs" which I believe refers to the fact that the wing nut (gallettino) holds it's adjustment or "calibrati" while you open and close the lever to release or secure the wheel.

The "tendicatena"... That refers to part #1031 "Tendicatena ciclomotore" which is "Chain-strecher for Cycle-motor." The picture shows a chain tensioner (sprung arm with pulley that clamps on the chainstay).

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline, T-shirts and catalog reprints)

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