Turn that BB back out on Ebay, play up the "con sfere 3/16" aspect and watch the bids roll in. That's a fairly rare, early 1960's BB that was supposedly only made for a year. Assuming that it's in good condition and that the cups are marked 36mm x 24 tpi (in addition to the 3/16" marking you noted), it's worth some money. Also, if the cups are the referenced size, it's a matched set and will work on an Italian frame with the pre-CPSC Record crank arms. If your LBS couldn't get it installed in your frame, this may serve as an example of why you either need to get a better mechanic or learn to do a simple BB installation yourself. The day is fast upon us that servicable BB's will befuddle the average shop mechanic (are we already there?) Is it possible that your mechanic attempted to use standard 1/4" ball retainers depite the obvious markings? Sure wouldn't surprise me.
If you get flack for your attitude regarding the next poor schmuck, it's not necessarily unwarranted.
Tom Dalton Bethlehem, PA
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