I also believe the Mavic stem is from about 73. Maybe a bit earlier. I have two of these, one conventional silver and one gold anodized, mounted and pictured here:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
I generally only see them show up on bikes with other components from the 73-75 time frame, which is the basis for my assumption. They seen to be fairly uncommon, so they probably were not widely used or around for very long. Anyone have any more definitive information?
Wayne Bingham Lovettsville VA
>>>
My 1973 Fiorelli came to me from a previous owner who built up the bike
from new, and it had a Mavic stem just as you described. I cannot
confirm introduction date, but I know it had to have been available in
1973-74.
Galen Poole
Jackson, MS
>
> From: "Mark Stevens" <mountgerald@btopenworld.com>
> Hi all, just picked up a stem that looks very like a Cinelli 1A, all
> aluminium with allen key fittings. It has a tiny triangle on the clamp
> with 'MAVIC' in it. Underneath 'Made in France'. Looks very 70's to
> me. Can anyone confirm the intro date , please.
> Also a GB stem with a tiny red oval - plastic?- with the figure 70
> on it in faded gold. This detail is also on the clamp and has several
> cracks radiating from it. A GB Death stem?! I have seen one like it as
> original on a bike from the late 60's but not with this inset detail.
I guess the '70'
> figure is a date clue.
> Mark Stevens Evanton Scotland