Earlier this afternoon, a recent purchase arrived: A 57 cm British-built Witcomb frameset, with a 531 sticker (lovingly preserved, along with part o f a "custom built" sticker, through foolish use of what appears to be clear packing tape). SunTour dropouts. I'll post some pictures somewhere when I manage to take one or two or twenty. Seller expressed no knowledge of its age. Seller also managed to apply some masking tape directly to portions of the top tube when wrapping it up -- aaarrrhhggghh.
To pin age down further without waiting to call the Witcomb shop in the morning, does anyone on-list know enough of Witcomb serial numbers to decipher "926772" Your assistance is much appreciated!
NO -- I am NOT kidding myself regarding any currently CT-based builders. Sheesh. Witcomb is still churning out steel, and I think this frame's been around the sun enough times. Besides, I believe that eRichie, at least, has written of developing his philosophy and wicked-sharp skills at Witcomb USA -- so those are just beater, leave it out in the rain bikes anyway, right?
Dan "no respect, no emoticons" Kehew Davis "no sun" CA