Re: [CR]Italian/French/American/English frames

(Example: Framebuilders:Tony Beek)

Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2006 17:06:32 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Italian/French/American/English frames
References: <20060228003117.MUQT4438.aamta12-winn.ispmail.ntl.com@smtp.ntlworld.com>


Ray Green wrote:
>
> It seems to be accepted that fancy lugs define English frames; not so any more than lugless (welded) construction is a defining feature. Other Brits will correct me if I'm wrong but I recall that in about 1964 there was a mass switch from Nervex pro to Prugnat plain lugs almost overnight. Which style is more English?
> What I'd like to know from the experts is is there any difference in the methods of construction in the different countries. ie pinning, tacking, jigs all the terms I've heard but don't really understand. Were for eg USA Masi frames built by one man (or indeed woman) from start to finish? I'd say that if frames are made in the same way whatever the country of origin the whole debate has been so much hot air.

Ray, The debate (I'd say it's more like a discussion) is not over construction methods, but style. That would encompass lugs, paint, decals, etc. I can't imagine that there are brazing styles or mitering styles or filing styles from country to country.

As an example, I can't imagine Hetchin's Celtic knot style fork reinforcements as coming from anyplace other than the British Isles. http://www.hetchins.org/pix/mo-13.jpg http://www.clanbadge.com/images/silver_jubilee.jpg

Could this decidedly off topic Schwinn Black Phantom come from anyplace else than fifties America? http://mywilson.homestead.com/files/ph4_copy.jpg

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

.