Witcomb frame model id

[Philoldsmobile]

Hi all,

I have just purchased a witcomb frame, and while everything seems legitimate, the drop outs are pressed rather than forged. Did witcomb use these drop outs at all? The legwork and seat stays seem to match some late 70's and early 80's witcomb bikes, and the witcomb transfer (not decal) looks original, the paint also looks original. I'll investigate the year when I get home tonight, I'm basing the production date on the style of Reynolds 531 decal on the sest tube. From what I can see witcomb didn't always use model names as bikes were made to order, and often to measure, is this correct? The frame appears nicely made.

 

[vcballbat]

Hi all,

I have just purchased a witcomb frame, and while everything seems legitimate, the drop outs are pressed rather than forged. Did witcomb use these drop outs at all? The legwork and seat stays seem to match some late 70's and early 80's witcomb bikes, and the witcomb transfer (not decal) looks original, the paint also looks original. I'll investigate the year when I get home tonight, I'm basing the production date on the style of Reynolds 531 decal on the sest tube. From what I can see witcomb didn't always use model names as bikes were made to order, and often to measure, is this correct? The frame appears nicely made.

Can you post some pictures

 

[Philoldsmobile]

I will this evening, these are pics from the seller. The dropouts are somewhat unusual for pressed ones in that they have a rear mech hanger

 

[Philoldsmobile]

Dropouts look like they may be campagnolo 1010/1 as the hanger and mudguard eyelets seem to match? Didn't know campy made pressed dropouts, but apparently they did, fronts don't look quite the same though.

 

[Old Ned]

Going by the frame fittings and cable eye positions etc. I would say it is earlier than the dates mentioned. More like 50's/60's? I reckon Witcomb had a range of frames for all levels of price, this is maybe one of the lower ones?

 

[Philoldsmobile]

I suspect it is an entry level, yes.the only stamping on the frame is 617 and there is a difficult to spot but definitely witcome badge shaped area of shadow on the head tube that hasn't faded as much as everything else.