A while ago, I acquired some stuff when I bought an off-topic bike. Lots of greasy small parts. One box had bb cups and lock rings. Last night, they emerged from the soak, and got cleaned and dried. Questions arise: --> some cups & lock rings are black, not bright. Are these from WW II era, when chrome was unavailable to the bike industry? (I have some "Victory" steel spoke nipples like that). --> In addition to the usual suspects (TDC, Bayliss Wiley, Unmark), there were a few little surprises. Anyone ever heard of "Walton & Brown"? A couple of nice-looking "Bramptons" and "Hercules." I hadn't associated the latter with good stuff in my mind. --> Any reason NOT to use Bayliss & Wiley black on my early 50s Ephgrave? Bayliss & Riley bright? TDC? Wouldn't want to violate a taboo, eh?
thanks
harvey