Classic & Vintage - Any info on this frame? (Argentinian "Master" track frame)

I got a track frame off eBay a couple of months ago. After some initial struggle with fitting a french threaded bottom bracket, the project is starting to come along. However, I'm curious to know more about this frame! The seller told me he got it during a trip to Argentina. Apparently, it had been sitting in the back of a bike shop for some twenty years or so and never been ridden. And judging from the fact that the paint on the fork ends is intact, this seems correct even though the overall appearance of the frame is a bit scuffy (no dents or signs of rust though).

As I hope you can see from the blurry pictures, it's a lugged steel frame, quality of tubing is unknown. The decals say "Master", and bear a striking resemblance to those of the "F.Moser" brand. There is also the word "Telaio" (which I believe means "frame") and "Made in Argentina". Fork ends are stamped "MIRAGE DIVISION 1". Included was also a Savoretti brand bottom bracket, likewise marked "Made in Argentina". Nothing stamped underneath the bottom bracket shell. Fork is drilled for a front brake, but that's it. The color is a Bianchi-like "Celeste".

This was most likely an entry-level frame back in the 80's, but I really like it and I'm curious to find out more. Despite many hours spent on Fixedgeargalley, Velospace etc, I've never come across anything quite like it. This could hardly be the only one, could it? (Well if it were, that would be pretty cool, but I don't believe it) So, does any one here have any additional info? I would be most grateful.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0101.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0099.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0095.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0123.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0114.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0117.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/erikwaldner/IMG_0125.jpg

And by the way, I posted this in the singlespeed/Fixed Gear-section earlier on. Although I got a lot of nice replies, I didn't really get any more information. So I thought I'd give it another try over here.

/Erik

Logo is like a copy of Moser, like epiphone is to Gibson? or Colner is to Colnago?

Edit: finsihed reading your post... you already knew that... seems like a well built bike.. I don't know if there was such a thing as an entry lever track bike back then, I looks pretty nice... the only other thing I know about argentina and bike is Saavedra components which often were similar to campy or stronglight and they were quite nice.

you are on a slippery slope, my friend :) I ran into the same thing, a good deal on a vintage italian track frame...I was curious about the builder and where it came from. I spent 2 months researching, email every bike forum,CR, bike shops, framebuilders, bike shops in italy, ffg in which I got alot of really nasty hate emails.....finally i just stopped trying to find the history and now just ride it...but every once in awhile I still wonder who made it and the history...fwiw I guess there were alot of small framebuilders who built some really nice "no big name" frames...but all in all you have a really nice frame, build it up and post some pics...

sweet frame; that headtube angle is freaking me out. EDIT: Might just be the angle. EDIT2: of the picture.

Thanks guys, all of your input is appreciated!

Of course I should rather be outside riding it, but the weather here is freezing and I'm waiting for my LBS to build me the wheels. So I'm doing a little research in the meantime. And if I don't find out anything, that's fine.


sweet frame; that headtube angle is freaking me out. EDIT: Might just be the angle. EDIT2: of the picture.

Yes, it's the angle in which the photo was taken that's strange. The geomerty seems normal, and pretty tight. Haven't yet had a rear wheel installed though.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/m44_7/5380_138180574971_706899971_3346215.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/m44_7/ttt.jpg

nice looking track frame

eatadonut do you have something against steep headtubes?