Kevin asked: "I am hoping that some kind soul can shed some light on the Benotto I just purchased. I posted a few pics here (apologies in advance for the white-hot flash):
http://s3.photobucket.com/
Kevin, I would like to first say that Benotto made some of the nicest frames that I have ever seen from the late 40's and early 50's. Their lugwork is truly fantastic with nicely thinned lugs and beautiful forks. Unfortunately, none of your photos allows us to observe these features, so it is quite difficult to make an informed comment on the frame of your new bike. With regards to the components, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I truly doubt that many of the components are original. For that matter, I also doubt that the paint is original. You have already correctly identified the rims as being replacements. I base my comments regarding non-originality on the following:
The stem is a 1960's or possibly even 70's vintage 3TTT as the company was not even founded in the cambio corsa era. The brake levers are made by Balilla and are a model that are also likely from no earlier than the 60's. The Universal brand brake calipers also postdate the derailleur system; this can be determined by the fact that the caliper springs are held in place by integral "nubs" on the back of the arms instead of with bent springs as found on all 40's and early 50's Universal brakes. The freewheel is also marked in a way not consistent with the production period of the bike. What this leaves us as possibly original components are therefore: the Record saddle, the seatpost, the headset, the BB, cranks, hubs and pedals. The Record saddles were indeed being produced in the 40's and 50's and could therefore be correct. The seatpost is not shown so it is hard to comment on. If it is original, the seatpost will have a nicely thinned part where the saddle clamp is attached, the top will also be nicely bent over almost closing the top. The saddle clamp will also likely be a nickel-plated one. The headset appears to be either a Magistroni or Way Asauto one and could well be correct. The BB could also be correct; and by removing it, you might well find a date code on the BB axle. The cranks do appear to be correct and may have a date code on the rear. The hubs do appear to be period correct. If you remove the hub locknuts, there is a good chance that they will reveal a date code. You also do not show any close-up photos of the q/r levers. These might give some indications regarding the age of these components aas they underwent numerous changes over the years. Lastly, the pedal photos that you provide do not allow us to verify the vintage. To help in this matter, you might want to show a photo taken from the rear side of the cranks to see if there is any axle extending past the inner edge of the crank. If there is any extension, no matter how small, you can be assured that the pedals are from the 60's or later, a time when axles were lengthened somewhat.
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ