Ann, Let's start by saying it's "interesting." Beyond that, I don't think it is two singles that got married up at the point of a torch. Note the proper eccentric (picture 0808). Home mechanics marrying up singles would usually just put in an angle-iron clamp to mount a derailleur cage to take up the tension of worn chain -- and rarely get the bb to bb distance right, I'd bet. Also, the front seat tube has a rather nice treatment of the joined lugs (0804) I'd further venture the opinion that it is French: Bocama lugs in picture 0797, I do believe, and a nice choice for a tandem, what with the reinforcing ridges. Probably pre-early 1970s: Nicely designed but stamped dropouts. Throughout, the brazing quality doesn't cry out "constructeur" but "St. Etienne factory," at least to me.
You could ride this and have a lot of fun with it, but modern experience suggests that the "twin laterals" have much less stiffness than "internal laterals," the Gitanes and Follises of the era were famous for their "al dente" ride.
On the whole, and with all due respect for you and your find, if I were Mr. Bayliss I would put it in quarantine until you forgot it, lest his bikes catch infectious rot from it. :-).
But let me tell you about a nice, close-coupled Schwinn Town & Country that's looking for a new home. :-)
harvey sachs mcLean VA ++++++++++++++++++ Ann's eternal garage sale and home for wayward bicycles has this new and cool addition, or has had for a couple of weeks.
Is it two bicycles made into one? (I had a book on that in the 1970s)
How old is it?
What is it?
I'm thinking of sending it off to Brian for evaluation and repair, because honestly, it's cute and if it is ridable, would be *perfect* for tandeming around on with some of my shorter friends. I think Ellen and I could meet and blow away a lot of cute boys on the Silver Comet Trail.
Power to the over 40 ladies!
Yes, it has a fork with partially chromed legs and huret dropouts.
Its at the usual place,
http://community.webshots.com/
the very last album on page 2 and will be available in about 30 minutes from the time of this post.
*the prize is the beverage of your choice, so I'm cheap!
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA