CR List Members -
I want to thank all of you who responded to my inquiry of October 7 concerning the identity of my English frame, possibly an Ernie Clements according to Norris Lockley. Norris mentioned that it would be nice to have some photos of the seat cluster and I've posted five additional photos - four of the seat cluster and one of the bottom bracket cluster (http://idisk.mac.com/aopperman-Public?view=web ; click on "Frame Photos" and then on the down arrow on the right side of the screen to view each one). Any additional observations or speculation from list members is appreciated! Let me know if this link isn't behaving for you.
An additional question: Assuming that the bottom bracket, crank, and derailleurs were Campy (from the surviving Campy shifters), what models of those items were typically used on English bikes from the mid-1950s or thereabouts? Did Campy make a Gran Sport BB and crank to go with their Gran Sport derailleur? I'd like to rebuild the bike as original as possible, and these are the items that were replaced in the 1970s/80s.
It's been interesting to read everyone's shipping experiences in response to John's message earlier today. I've been selling a wide variety of estate sale pickings on eBay since 1998 (eBay name: afo1) and have shipped items large and small to destinations around the globe. I agree with the observation that the USPS generally does a very good job and, in my experience, is especially economical for smaller items up to a few pounds and in international delivery. Ebay's PayPal USPS postage function is great and allows you to print all your postage at home so the small package can be slipped into the bin at the post office (or your mailbox) without having to endure a long wait in line. For larger items, however, I've had excellent performance from FedEx Ground (domestic only) - now conveniently located in FedEx Kinkos stores. I used them hundreds of times and they've never lost or damaged anything. FedEx gives you a shipping discount if you sign-up for an account and will give you a significant discount if you ship to a business address. The FedEx/Kinkos counter staff has never "up-sold" me with arbitrary pricing and they've always accepted all kinds of packaging. Perhaps I'm fortunate to never have had any problems that would have triggered an insurance claim. I avoid the franchise shipping stores for the reasons stated in multiple messages today.
Remarkably I just received a frame from Germany shipped to my home in Williamsburg, Virginia for $75 through DHL. Either the seller absorbed some of that cost, or DHL is a great deal for shipments to the US. Unfortunately DHL discontinued its services here in the US and relies on the USPS for delivery. I'll soon post some photos of the Rabeneick Campagnolo that I'll be working on, particularly looking for some advice on dis-assembling its headset.
Thanks again for your help and for my daily reading and education!
Tony Opperman
Williamsburg, Virginia
USA