My first Ebay purchase some three years ago was a small track frame, advertised as "..of Italian manufacture". From the sellers' other auctions I deduced that he had dismantled a track bike and sold off the bits.
My frame duly arrived... looking very worse for wear. Definitely a track frame but through the "shake and rattle" spray job I could see evidence of gears having been used, even a front mech.
>From first glances the frame looked nothing like any Italian frame I had ever seen.. and I've got more than a few in my stash. The round blades in their twin-plate fork crown shouted "Hetchins" or some other English hand-built of the 50s. The very elaborate "swirly" lugs had that 100% English look too. But the way the builder had put in the very non-English track ends spelt out Italian.
The seat cluster was 150% Italian, as was the way the frame number had been stamped on to the seat tube. The bracket was without a doubt Italian threaded.
Stumped as to what I had bought I sought advice from friends and collectors.. and sent photos to the V.C.C. magazine, but no one could tell me the brand of the bike. the only help that I got was some advice that, after the WW2, when frame parts were in short supply, some English builders manged to get some Italian parts. A plausible story, but it did not explain away the rear triangle, the seat cluster and the number.
That frame is still hanging on a nail somewhere in my attic, discarded.. at least I hope so.
Earlier today I was browsing on various websites and stumbled into "Vintagevelos".. and into their archive material. and there is my frame, although in road-racing guise.. and all satin nickel plate.. none other than a Gloria, from what I can make out from the photos of the elaborate lugwork.
But I need more.. so is there anyone out there with any photos, pictures of decals ..or WHY? I'd be incredibly grateful for any help tto confirm my findings.
Norris Lockley.. semi-jubilant in Settle, UK