p. h.a. p.*
who are we kidding here. what is the rationale in adding these ornaments? the manly thing would have been to own up to the fact that lugs(s) didn't exist to make the particular frame geometry so builder used a bronze welded joint. imo, the amount of extra heat needed to add the details would detract from the integrity of the joint - unless really REALLY heavy guage pipes were used. could this explain why this type of joint is uncommon? e-RICHIE chester, ct *peter has a point
On Thu, 20 May 2004 21:41:27 -0400 "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net> writes: My god... they really do look like French frilly knickers!
I know they are hallmark of bespoke British framemaking, etc. etc. and I have followed this fascinating thread with great interest, but I must confess the aesthetic appeal of these ornate lugs simply escapes me. I regard these frames as wonders of 1950s-60s craftsmanship and technology. Yet they resemble early Victorian industrial revolution technology which sought to camouflage their very modernity with ornate, fussy artiface. They look like early Singer sewing machines to me. Can you imagine a 1950s or 1960s sportscar with such retrograde aesthetics? Like an E-Type with faux wood side panels. Or a VC-10 with faux canvas wing covering.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA