I don't know what qualifies as "old" in this thread. but small frames in general are more of an issue with this 6' 2" British club bike fan. But the top tubes don't seem shorter on any of the immediate post-war ones I have in comparison with newer machines.
My '48 RRA (73 head and 71 seat tube angles) is a 23 1/2" c-t-t seatpost and a 23" c-t-c top tube. That basic ratio seems to hold for my Clubmans ('48, '49 and '51) but also for my '69 Peugeot (72 frame angles) and '75 TI Raleigh Team Pro (I am note sure of the angles on her but looks 72).
I just wish there were taller British riders. Just too many 21-22" frames out there. Then again, you still can't buy a 34" inseam pair of trousers at Marks & Sparks even today. Then again, I'd have a lot more bikes crammed into my apartment and more trousers in my closet.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA