Hi Tom,
1. This sounds like a pressed-in BB, maybe similar to the Herse type? In that case, removing the BB destroys the bearings. (You can press in bearings using a special tool - basically a ring that presses on both inner and outer race at the same time. But to remove the bearings, you hammer on the BB spindle until the bearing on one side comes out.)
Usually, the bearings are in good shape - even many 1940s bikes still run their original bearings. But replacements are available - the better-quality ones cost about $ 15 apiece (you need 2).
2. Vertical dropouts - I don't know who was first, but Cyclo (the derailleur maker) introduced theirs in 1929 (according to R. Henry's book "Du velocipede au derailleur moderne"). Since the 1930s, most quality cyclotouring bikes in France have used vertical dropouts. Because they used derailleurs, the need to adjust the chain tension at the rear wheel was not needed. Furthermore, vertical dropouts make wheel removal much easier, especially on bikes with fenders. (See the Image Archive on the VBQ web site for numerous early bikes with vertical dropouts.)
3. I'd love to see some photos of your Sabliere. It sounds like a quality cyclotouring bike...
Jan Heine, Seattle Editor/Publisher Vintage Bicycle Quarterly c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles 140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C Seattle WA 98122 http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com
>The first question deals with its bottom bracket. Its cups were two
>(aluminum?) ones that screw into the bottom bracket so that the outside of
>the cups align with each bottom bracket face. Inside, each side was held
>with a snap ring, with a groove in the bottom bracket itself for the snap
>ring. After removing the cups and snap ring, I still cannot remove the
>bottom bracket which has cassette bearings on each side. I did not use much
>force--a couple of taps with a rubber mallet. Any one familiar with the
>removal of such bottom brackets? Is there something I am missing or not
>seeing inside of it that would prevent it from moving when tapped? Or does
>such require more force than I am giving it?
>
>Does anyone know when vertical rear drop-outs came into existence? As I
>mentioned in a previous post, this frame I believe is from the early 70's,
>and yet it has vertical rear drop-outs?
>
>Thank you once again.
>
>Now I am going out to ride.
>
>Cheers.
>
>Tom Hayes
>Chagrin Falls, Ohio