The frame dates from 88/89. The silver "Original Paintwork..." sticker post dates the frame by probably 5 years, and is most likely an indication that it was resprayed at the Merckx factory in the 90's.
Jeremy Rauch Brooklyn, NY
On Apr 21, 2010, at 10:45 AM, Dave from Maine wrote:
> I've got several Eddy Merckx bikes, and something about this one seems different - almost like it's a re-spray, but the seller states NOS. The "Original Paintwork Eddy Merckx" label looks like it's been masked around - the paint looks rough there. But then again, it could just be the poor photo quality.
>
> That chunk of BB-shell chipped out is odd - and the paint on the shell looks rather thick. Those bulges on the headtube lug are cable guides - they show better in the last photo-center.
>
> Dave Whitney
> Poland, Maine USA
>
>
> Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:08:52 -0400
> From: Burl Simon <burl.simon@gmail.com>
> Subject: [CR] merckx 57 cm on the bay questions
> To: Dale Brown <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Message-ID:
> <n2g5c7d59461004210508pda21c384z5fc8b66db8bb8ba4@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> there is a nos kof (that's new old stock keeper of the flame for those of
> you who don't know) 57 cm edyy merckx slx extra corsa frame and fork on ebay
> number 3304 2420 0766 at 360.55 w 4 days left. i do not know the seller and
> have nothing to do w this sale but have a couple of questions. . the photos
> are not that clear but what is the little bulge on the down tube right hand
> side head tube lug, a globule of paint? second question is, on the bottom
> bracket is there a small piece missing from the metal next to the number
> 9258 or is that just paint again?
> burl simon
> detroit, michigan u.s.a. on 4.21.10