With some exceptions, e.g. Somec and a few others, engraving ("pantography") was subcontracted by the Italian vintage bike makers.
Notwithstanding, certain standards were maintained and, when confronted with an unusual engraving it's prudent to question whether it's period or not. Reference to known period catalogues or period images of the engraving in question will, in most cases, provide the answer. That having been said, with the aid of modern scanning devices and computerized engraving machines almost any engraving can be copied-an image of the original is all that's needed, and the engraving can be reproduced in a fashion which will defy detection by ordinary techniques.
The interest in engraving ("pantography") in vintage cycling circles is sometimes extreme, and , in for some collectors, is an object in itself. This is amusing in a way since all engraving is adventitious and extraneous to the bike.
George
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA
> Weren't many of these types of jobs as in many other industries
> given out to
> various small home/cottage/job shops?
> That would account for the minor differences extant in the
> finished
> products.
> All the same but subtly varied.
> Ted Ernst
> Palos Verdes Estates
> CA USA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Freek Faro"
> To: "classic"
> Cc:
> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 4:57 AM
> Subject: [CR] Ebay outing, mine: Masi chainring, 1st gen SR rear
> mech,'75
> Gazelle and more
>
>
> > Good day all,
> >
> > I'm active on Ebay again, auctions will end next Sunday. 6
> items are
> > on-topic.
> >
> >
> > - 1975 Gazelle AA-frame, vanilla gold metallic, 58 c-t;
> quite nice, a
> > lot
> > of parts are included
> > - mid 70s Masi pantographed chainring (53 teeth); milled,
> cut and
> > pantographed ... and as an expert told me, quite rare in
> this particular
> > form
> > - milled clamp-on Campagnolo gearlevers; added a Campagnolo
> clamp-on bb
> > cable guide, for good measure
> > - mid 70s Cinelli 64 handlebar and old logo stem; nice condition
> > - mid 70s Cinelli 65 handlebar and old logo stem; double
> knight crests,
> > choice of stem lengths
> >
> > This is the link:
> >
> >
> http://ebay.com/
> > Item number for the Gazelle frame is 220422485167, my sellers
> name is
> > faustobeer.
> >
> > The better pcitures are here:
> >
> > http://www.wooljersey.com/
> racefietsen/Ebay+may+2009+1/>
> > Questions are always welcome, thanks for looking and enjoy bidding!
> >
> > Freek Faro
> > Rotterdam Netherlands
> > _______________________________________________
>
> _______________________________________________
>
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA