I think Prior was a high end hub, definitely appeared on very good bikes.
I have some pictures of a set with the riveted-on large flanges, here:
http://bulgier.net/
I think Mike Kone mentioned recently that he thought the brand became Atom, or those two brands are linked somehow.
About the "I" stamp on the freewheel - on some Italian freewheels, the I means "Inglese" (English), not Italian as some of us English-speakers might be tempted to guess. Might be the same deal for a French part? Though I'd expect to see "A" for Anglais.
Mark Bulgier Seattle WA USA
Larry Myers wrote:
> I recently acquired a couple of parts from a manufacturer
previously
> unknown to me, and would appreciate any info about their history. The
> first is a 3-speed, (for 1/8th'' chain) freewheel (16-18-20). It is
> marked 'PRIOR', 2-59, 'Made in France'. It is NOS, and definitely NOT
> French threaded, has a large letter 'I' stamped on the back. It spins
> freely onto BSC-threaded hubs, havn't tried it on any Italian-threaded
> hubs yet. The next is a lo-flange front hub, from the same maker. It
is
> of one-piece alloy construction, with 'PRIOR' (inside an elongated
> diamond), stamped on the barrel of the hub. It has been laced up
> before, but apparantly has very few miles on it- it has some of the
> smoothest-running bearings that I have ever felt! Has a 'Simplex' old-
> style skewer on it, with flush-fitting alloy dust caps. If anybody out
> there in List-Land can provide me with some info on these items (or
> maybe a matching rear hub?), I would be most appreciative!