What to do with an unknown Steel Frameset. Nervex Pro Lugs

[Midlife]

Good evening Mr Featch. Not seen you post for a while, hope you have been OK.

I can't work out if the fork crown matches the lugs. Nice bright Flam finish, seat tube panels and lug lining would look nice

Shaun

 

[NeilM]

Re:

Ride it 'naked' on a turbo and the sweat will do horrible things to that frame, so, please don't.

It looks in great condition, I have had 1990's mtb's that looked a lot worse. I'd get it off to a good painter and start gathering bits for a nice mid 50's club racer.

 

[Dodge2015]

Nice looking frame. I would say 1950 to 1955. Is there a frame number on forks or BB?

 

[Old Ned]

Could have been built by any one of a multitude of builders in the 50's. They all had access to the same basic parts and often built frames to customers specifications so different builders often produced remarkably similar frames. The CO2 pumps were out of fashion by the early 60's but I was still using Nervex lugs as late as 1981 when specified by customers. Looks to be a quality, well brazed frame, some builders were more competent than others.
Freddie Grubb, Maclean, Uppadine, Whitaker and Mapplebeck....... all possibilities but the list is long.
Needs stove enameling and lug lining, it's not beyond redemption. Some nice Chater Lea and Airlight parts would be period correct

Good to hear from you again Andy. I agree with what you say about this frame, it is well executed and worth restoring.

You have mentioned Uppadine in your post. I'm sure I read somewhere that they bought their frames in, possibly Mercian? Mind you, I suppose it all depends on the period in question.

 

[Retro junkie]

Re:

Hi had the same predicament a couple of weeks ago, I bought a bike from local car boot and had no idea of the maker. Looks vary similar to yours except from your curved rear brake mount.mine turned out to be a pennine grand primo.i only found this out by uncovering the pennine trademark rear seat stay art work.think they maybe right about the forks not matching the frame also.never the less it looks really good and credit to you for getting it to how it looks now

 

[cipolinni]

Re:

Interesting gents

Frame number is on the LH rear dropout 290
Alas the forks are no match.
Have dropped the forks and a different number on the steerer.
Although having said that, it does have campag fork ends.
Dissapointed if I'm honest
Possibly sell it now

What do you think guys