In a message dated 1/11/04 6:31:18 PM Pacific Standard Time,
hayesbikes@nls.net writes:
> In the following auction, the seller lists it as first generation Record
> front derailleur and distinguishes the derailleur as having chrome plated
> bronze parts. I am curious: how is this particular derailleur different than
> others from 1963-1968, most of which have the cable stop on them? And how is
> this particular one marked in such a way that the seller knows it is from 1963?
>
> http://ebay.com/
> rd=1
>
> Please note, I am not questioning the validity of his statements, but I
> would like to know how this particular one is distinct from others that certainly
> look the same.
>
I think the seller is making a guess at the date. This one is actually a
"second" generation model. The true "first generation" had the operating arm held
to the pin by a screw and was made for one year only (1960), if that long, or
was perhaps pre-1960 production. Note, this is not the one that is illustrated
in the Catalogue #14.
This one in the auction appears to be the fairly common broze arm derailleur
that was made from about 1961 through maybe 1968. The catalogues I have do not
show any change in part number for either the complete derailleur or the
operating arms.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA