Thanks to everyone who responded to my Asso question. I think Richard Sachs's confirmation of the existence of real live Asso bikes in the early 70s makes it reasonably likely that my bike is the real thing, not a painted-over, re-decaled hot potato. After all, if someone was going to the trouble of counterfeiting a bike, they'd probably go for something with a bit more profile. I'll ride it without that queasy feeling now.
Ron (finally found a kinda racey bike with 43 cm chainstays) Cooley Saskatoon Canada