This is my interpretation of the paint terms from a British view. Probably hopelessly wrong. This is my understanding of the original 1930's flamboyant style paint finishes. These were applied on polished nickel plating a'la Selbach, Russ, Claud Butler and Dan Genner (Excel Cycles). These are the only 1930's makers catalogues I have which state this. Obviously other makers used the same technique. Metallics I believe during this period where called 1st. Lustres then Metallic Lustres and finally Metallics. Polychromatic I believe is a paint with two or more colours in it and when viewed from different angles appears to look a slightly different colour a'la Raleigh Lentons. Think our flams are applied over a plain silver base now. Nickel plating being exorbitantly expensive.
Yours in cycling. Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.
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