As Oscar Wilde once said, "I can resist anything except temptation." So ten days ago, I found myself the new owner of Ebay item #320648132351. Second or maybe third rung constructeur's work to be sure, with sort of Nervex-esque lugs, but to my mind lovely, rather more affordable than the recent flood of Herses from Dr Graves' inner circle, and exactly my size. $319.
Obviously I'd love to identify its maker, if anyone here can hazard a plausible guess. But, I realize this is not very likely-- \u2013Given that its bolted headbadge is missing; \u2013there are no decals of any kind (though an oblong shadow on the seat tube hints at perhaps a Reynolds 531 sticker of some sort); \u2013the lugs appear not to have been thinned or modified in any obviously distinctive way; \u2013and the closest thing to an actual concrete clue is what must be a serial number ("414 235 V," with a space after the first three digits and the letter below the last number) on the rear right Simplex dropout (evidently a hangerless Type "Tour de France model 881).
Meanwhile, I've begun an ambitious hunt for parts and rather have my foolishly set on a few unobtainium grails. So, if anyone would be willing to even discuss considering a raid their parts drawer, I am very keen to track down (i) any version of the fenders/mudguards made by Durex, a.k.a. "RBN"-- ideally in 650B, and (ii) some kind of real Routens front rack.
Finally, is anyone here known on eBay as "pterodactylegg"?
I will put a few more detailed photos of the frame up on flickr over the weekend if that would be of help. And, as always, thanks to all.
Guy Lesser
Brooklyn, NY