Norris,
I can add that the letter "A" stamped on the Nervex seat lug was common on early Nervex lug sets. Don't know what it means, but it's from the lu g maker as opposed to the frame maker. That's all I know of that.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
SanDiegoCustomBicycleShow.com
I doubt whether Kevin will ever be able to identify this frame unless h e can discover a transfer hiding under the hand-painted finish. The frame is a generic model, produced by many manufacturers, and appear s to be of a good standard ie the top-eyes are neatly done, and not simp ly pressed and indented. The drop-outs too are Nervex..or possibly Super Champion. In the both ca ses there might be a serial/model number stamped on them. They are very much touring bike drop-outs..and the small eye brazed under the R/H chai nstay was there to secure the end of the tension spring of the long-arm touring gear. My best bet is that the gear was a Super Champion...often found on Ebay..and not too dear.
There appears to be a letter A stamped on the cheek of the seat lug near the top-eye....and just possibly another character..and No 8 ? I have s een this on other frames...but just cannot recall the significance.
All in all a pleasant frame. Now you need to find a pair of forks with t he Nervex crown and a lovely flowing hockey-stick like rake. Alternative ly a pair with the popular Wagner chevroned crown would be appropriate.
Norris Lockley, Settle _ UK