I just ducked into the garage to check my recently rebuilt 1972 PX-10. Lo, and behold - a wood dowel up the snout!
In all the cleaning & resetting headset bearings, etc., I just never peered up the tube. I have no idea whether or not it's original, but I got the frame & fork together and the wood looks old (well, not new - no color end stamp one might find on dowels at your local hardware), but as if it had been properly (linseed?) oiled before installation. It's not dry or grey or cracked.
In any event, spent yesterday tweaking the der adjustments and will be riding this vintage steel steed in a charity ride this weekend from Washington, DC, to Gettysburg, PA, for disabled vets. Part is to raise awareness (and funds) for 'exceptional athletes', and partly to help the many riders who be on alternative rides (hand-powered, etc.). Info at http://www.worldteamsports.org and under 'Face of America.' ... this is not a plug - but, if you're in the area, check the route PDF & come on out & cheer -- I'll probably be the only one on a classic in the bunch.
Bob Hillery (no team affiliation)
Stratham, New Hampshire, US