I have an old Mercier sporting a paint bomb re-spray that I intend restore (kinda). The number on the foil headtube badge/decal may be 83806 (the 6 is not very clear, other digits are pretty good). It came with a Stronglight Competition headset, Stronglight cottered bottom bracket with a hollow spindle and Mafac "Dural Forge" brake calipers. The lugs are Nervex Pro showing a good deal of filing and thinning, but the seat stay ends are of the smooshed variety and the brake bridge is a flimsy piece of seamed tube with no re-enforcement. I would've thought a frame with the care taken on the lugs might show more interest in other details. Drops are stamped steel front, Simplex forged long horizontal rear, no derailleur hanger. The only braze-on is a cable stop on top/rear of the drive chainstay. Tubing is unknown, when the frame is tripped bare I'll weigh it and compare to frames of known tubing.
Does the number on the decal stand in for a serial number? Is this useful in determining year? Model?
Thanks for any information, I can send pics to anyone who might be able to help.
Gene Powell
Rad Finishes
Portland, Oregon
USA