Those cable straps can be seen here, along with other pix of Robert's Bates project. Those little gems are particularly necessary for the Bates bulged tubes.
http://www.wooljersey.com/
They did indeed come from Ray (pre-arranged) when he attended one of the Cirques, and I believe he had a small supply at the time, but that was a few years ago.
Wayne Bingham Lovettsville Virginia USA
On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 3:41 PM, Robert Clair <r.clair@cox.net> wrote:
> ... the really super story on the Carpenter, got us thinking about these
> Dunlop rubber brake cable guides. Wayne Bingham put together our mid-'50's
> H. Bates several years ago, and got three of these i believe from Ray
> Etherton when he came to the Circus a ways back.
>
> ... they are a black rubber wrap, that holds the cable, snaps shut, and
> because it rubber instead of metal, no paint scratches or rust. what's not
> to like.
>
> ... can anyone inform us about these, historical uses, and possible
> availabilty. they really are the "cat's meow" for these old bicycle
> fellows.
>
> robert clair
> alexandria, va 22308
> usa
> _______________________________________________
>
--
Wayne Bingham
Lovettsville, Virginia USA