My initial guess is that you have a 1972 frame. I have # 830471, which I am guessing is a 1971 frame.
Thanks for responding, Greg. The graphics are very similar to the (beautiful) frame Fred Rednor has posted to the CR list. Particularly the lining on the seat stay tops, although the recent arrival has a wraparound seatstay treatment. Does your '71 compare with Fred's?
The Suntour dropouts on yours are a bit surprising, though. Were those even available in 1972?
Heck if I know. That bit really had me thinking it was a later frame. Can't tell from Fred's photos what type of dropouts his bike is sporting.
Do the (hopefully original) graphics and the patina on your frame support a 1972 vintage in your opinion?
Patina ... Yeah, I fear that's the stuff that came off with the masking tape when I unpacked it... It's got no dents, but the paint and transfers have some riding behind them. I love original, but particularly after this packing job it's got the look of a bike that wants freshening.
Seriously, I'll be giving a call to the Witcomb shop at some point here and ask about their serial number scheme. I promise to post their answer to the list for archival purposes. (Yes, I did search the archives before asking.)
Dan "Patinas Added While You Wait" Kehew Davis "Patinaville" CA
Mine looks older than Fred's, IMO. It has a round decal on the upper seat tube, just below the (1960s-1970s type) 531 decal, which states "custom built David Cotton." Two sets of World Champion stripes around the seat tube, plus the smallish "W-in-a-wreath" decal, same as the one on the head tube. 1010/A dropouts with the "Sport hole" in the RH one. Cable stops on the lower seat tube (both sides). C-in-a-diamond Campy Record headset. 40" wheelbase. Note that #520166 is also shown on the CR Witcomb page, and stated as a 1966 frame. The fork blades on mine have the old Campagnolo "gruppo Record" decals on them. "Witcomb" is in black block font, in white panels with gold lining around both ends, on both the top and down tubes. Paint is a non-flam maroon, with white hand-lining. Full wrap seat stays. Fred, what's your best guess as to the last digit on yours? 5? 8? 9? Greg Parker Ann Arbor, Michigan