Bicycle Mechanics - 700c fork with 26" brake studs?

I bought a fork on ebay advertised as "absolutely, positively 700c". It's a 1", threaded, steel fork with canti bosses and fender eyelets. Just what I needed. It also had the crown drilled to accept caliper brakes.
My commuter bike's a Fuji Touring, with 700c wheels with canti brakes. When I placed the new fork placed it next to the one currently on my commuter, the dropout-to-crown length was the exact same. I noticed the canti bosses on the new fork were much lower. So I slipped a spare canti arm on and inserted a 700c wheel, and sure enough, the pad wouldn't reach the rim, even with the shoe positioned all the way up the slot. I installed a 26" wheel, and sure enough, the pad hit the rim perfectly.
Is this an oddball fork, or did they actually purposefully manufacture "dual-use" forks".

From what I've encountered this seems to be how most/all of the mtn bike forks made for 26" wheels w/ brazed on studs are. If dude who sold you those claimed that cantilever or v brakes would work with a 700c in there he was being disingenuous.

A 26" rigid MTB fork can easily have the same axle-crown length as a 700c touring bike fork.

The hole in the crown can be used for caliper brakes if they reach the brake track on the rim for a 700c wheel but generally on canti boss forks that hole is actually intended for mounting a fender.

The hole in the crown can be used for caliper brakes if they reach the brake track on the rim for a 700c wheel but generally on canti boss forks that hole is actually intended for mounting a fender.
Bingo. The rigid fork on my older Trek MTB has canti bosses set for it's OEM 26" wheels and also has a hole in the crown but even with 700c wheels the hole to rim dimension would require long or extra-long reach calipers. I used the crown hole to fasten a fender bracket.

I think I'd ask the seller for a refund as the fork is not as promised.

It's the risk you take with ebay. Either swallow the cost of shipping and return it, or see if you can't sell it off yourself.

It's the risk you take with ebay. Either swallow the cost of shipping and return it, or see if you can't sell it off yourself.
It came from a reputable and well-meaning seller who has no problem with the return for refund plus any shipping costs. I'll even leave them positive feedback for handling it honestly.

How long is the steerer? Maybe we can work something out. jim

How long is the steerer? Maybe we can work something out. jim
It was an uncut, 280mm steerer. But I've already returned it.

Is this an oddball fork, or did they actually purposefully manufacture "dual-use" forks".

Well, you've already sent it back, but I'd bet it was a rigid fork made long enough to match the length of a suspension fork. "Suspension corrected" geometry the buzz-word a few years back.

You could have used it with Paul Motolite brakes: http://www.paulcomp.com/motolite.html, which allow the brake shoes to be mounted high enough to reach 700C wheels.

Well, you've already sent it back, but I'd bet it was a rigid fork made long enough to match the length of a suspension fork. "Suspension corrected" geometry the buzz-word a few years back.

You could have used it with Paul Motolite brakes: http://www.paulcomp.com/motolite.html, which allow the brake shoes to be mounted high enough to reach 700C wheels.
Now that I look on this page
http://www.bikeparts.com/productsearch.asp?manufacturerName=Tange&selCategory=1434&selManufacturer=440&categoryName=Forks%A0-%A0Rigid
They list both a Tange 700c and 26" fork, both have a 390mm axle to crown measurement.
I'm very happy with my Shimano BR550 canti's on the bike now. I have an unused full spare set. The philosophy of having spares is the whole reason I'm getting another fork. I love this bike and the setup. I figure if I get in an accident that only damages the fork, leaving the frame and headtube intact, I want to be able to just pop on a replacement and be riding within a day.

The philosophy of having spares is the whole reason I'm getting another fork. I love this bike and the setup. I figure if I get in an accident that only damages the fork, leaving the frame and headtube intact, I want to be able to just pop on a replacement and be riding within a day.
You do understand that this philosophy is sorely tempting Murphy. As soon as you have N-1 spare parts on hand, you will irreparably damage the Nth part. :)

You do understand that this philosophy is sorely tempting Murphy. As soon as you have N-1 spare parts on hand, you will irreparably damage the Nth part. :)

I'm starting to think the replacement just wasn't meant to be. I won another acution for a NOS Tange chrome fork, same description-1", threaded, two sets of eyelets on the dropouts, 700c, from a different seller. Fork arrived today and, you guessed it, the brake bosses are designed for a 26" wheel. I think it's time to sent out a memo to the entire bicycling community. Or maybe I should just join in on the party and sell this fork on ebay, advertising it as a fork for 700c wheels. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

You also need to get the axle to canti stud measurement for your bike. Crown to axle distance for a suspension corrected rigid fork is the same as most 700c road and hybrid forks.

You also need to get the axle to canti stud measurement for your bike. Crown to axle distance for a suspension corrected rigid fork is the same as most 700c road and hybrid forks.

Eventually, I'll learn to ask for exact measurements instead of just asking "Are you sure.....".

Well, one ebay seller finally got it right. A new Pyramid fork that fit my needs for under $30 shipping included.