Stevan Thomas wrote:
>
> 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
I would just add that the early second generation Record front didn't have a slot in the cable stop and some of the later sloted cable stop versions (the one for auction has the slot) have chromed bronze arms and some have aluminum arms.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.