[CR]Suspicious 151 crankset on e-bay

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 16:46:45 -0800
From: "Jay Sexton" <jvs@sonic.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <MONKEYFOOD4C0ydXtfG000014b4@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
In-Reply-To:
Subject: [CR]Suspicious 151 crankset on e-bay

Ted, isn't "Picabo" Jan Johnson? And yes it does appear that the finish is brushed. Maybe Scotch Brite or real fine steel wool?

Jay Sexton Sebastopol, CA

Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:00:17 -0800 (PST) From: "Ted E. Baer" <wickedsky@sbcglobal.net> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Questionable 1st gen Campagnolo cranks

I came across this auction last night: 7125919468 It is for a set of 1958 Campagnolo cranks.

Two things are highly questionable. Maybe someone can help out here.

1. Every set of 1958, 59, and possibly 1960 year model of these cranks I have ever seen is NOT anodized. The front of this crankset "appears" to be anodized or has undergone some kind of machine treatment wherein the surface has a brushed aluminum look. However, the back sides look to be OK--but it is very hard to tell. Maybe it's just poor photography or lighting.

2a. Secondly, the pedal caps "appear" (I did not say "are") to be reproductions. I have two sets of these 1958 cranks and spent about 20 minutes comparing the original caps on mine to those on this set. First of all, the words "Campagnolo" and "Patent" "appear" to be unevenly spaced. Also, the lettering in both words is too close to the center hole. The chrome on the caps "appears" near perfect, but I cannot tell because the photo is blurred. Hard to believe for a crankset that is 45+ years old.

2b. The pedal caps "appear" blurred (as mentioned in my second point.) So with that in mind, I emailed the seller last night and requested a close-up photo of the pedal caps or asked if he could add said photo to the auction. Haven't heard from him yet and don't see a photo posted to the auction.

Ted E. Baer
Suspicious in Palo Alto, CA