Congratulations on that find Lorin!
[ photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/
Definitely loads of remarkable little details. The frameset could be a very versatile platform - for use both with or without all the Touring-specific attachments which in this case could be quickly and easily removed.
I'm a big fan of luggage racks so I immediately noticed the way the hand made racks are attached to the seat stays and front fork blades - with integrated clamp bands brazed to the ends of the rack! Never seen this before.
Perhaps the ESGE fenders were added later. To me it looks like a rather tight fit over the tires at the rear brake bridge and likely needed for the Campagnolo brakes. But, the use of vertical rear dropouts would certainly suggest that fenders were always a consideration for the bike.
Any idea what year the bike was built? Judging from the components, I would think later 1970s. Looks like a Columbus SP tubing decal on the seat tube. Difficult to tell from the photos, but is that a rear tire actuated dynamo for lighting mounted behind the bottom bracket?
Thanks for sharing the photos. Enjoy!
BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA