Peter, Just a quick update on how I'm doing on this one. Spoken to quite a few people and apart from Earnest F. Russ the only other British maker that placed his frame number at the rear of the front fork crown is Henry Morris of Walthamstow. Perhaps some other list members know of others? Mr.Morris worked for Bates Brothers, Betrands of Finchley and eventually had his own shop. I believe that he had some connection with either family or club with F.J.Saunders who was a well known pre-war lightweight frame builder whose premises were at 28 Orford Road, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E.17. H.R.Morris had left the bicycle trade and was working at a firm making lorries when I think Fred Saunders was either taken ill or had died. Fred's wife had a full order book and some incomplete frames to finish and Mr.Morris went there to finish them for her, as a result of this he then purchased the shop from her. We believe that when he started making frames he carried on with the Saunders way and placed the frame number behind the front fork crown. None of this is verified but we know that Russ, Morris and possibly Saunders frames have their number there. He thought it very bad practice to stamp a number on a steerer tube. This is assuming that your frame is British made and not Canadian or American built. So the opinion is that it might well be a Russ "Grand Prix". This was built in Reynolds Butted 531 so it is post 1935. Front forks 7/8" round tapered. Wheelbase 40.25". Bottom bracket height 11" with 27" wheels. And of course the frame number behind the crown. Will try a few friends to see if we can pin that frame number down to Russ definately. Best wishes Joe. Croeso Cymru Joe King Nr. Maenaddwyn Ynys Mon Wales