You're probably right that the frame is plated/chromed brushed and them coated. It's a different plating than the typical full chromed bicycles. I asked Alberto Masi about the origin of the frame (I've never seen another Prestige with internal cable routing) and got the response that it is one of a "special small series" that has been built directly at the Vigorelli shop in 1982. I assume it has been build for dispay or a trade show and was never supposed to be ridden. Otherwise it would have gotten another finish. The clear coat doesn't hold up at all and cracked everywhere when the former owner rode it.
Dirk
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Dirk Feeken Heidelberg Germany
-----Original Message----- From: OROBOYZ@aol.com [mailto:OROBOYZ@aol.com] Sent: Mittwoch, 28. Mai 2003 16:57 To: Feeken, Dirk; Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]masi prestige.
http://home.t-online.de/
Dirk: That is a very nice frame indeed... I wonder though, you say "...clear coated steel " and "...bare metal clearly visible ". I do not see any trace of brazing material in any of the joints or attachment points.. Are you certain that this is not plated? I have a Somec that is plated and brushed finish that looks just like this. Just curious....
Dale Brown