Classic & Vintage - Need expert opinion - Paramount Identification

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cld_hrtd
04-12-11, 11:48 PM
I'm headed over to look at this frame in the morning. He says it's a paramount, but it's tough to tell for this novice vintage collector. Campy dropouts, chromed stays and head tube lugs, nervex lugs(?) and BB shell, italian threaded BB. The bottom bracket says "Nervex 61-64-D22-F38." The non-drive side dropout is stamped with "G78."

I'm thinking it's a 1961 Paramount. Anybody concur or think otherwise?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61724452@N08/sets/72157626354275983/

pastorbobnlnh
04-13-11, 03:07 AM
Looks as if it is a Paramount. Since we can't see a clear view of the seat stay caps, I wasn't ready to commit, but I'd say this makes it a definitive ID.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5615301112_a423c11364.jpg

The Badge on my '66 was all copper under the paint so this makes sense. Also, the seat caps from this angle do look like the Paramount style. Obviously the BB has been replaced. Italian threads would not be on an original Paramount, maybe they were damaged and re-tapped?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5611126665_88298613dc.jpg

Best of luck on this.
cld_hrtd
04-13-11, 07:18 AM
I should clarify one point: I said the BB bracket was marked, but I meant the BB SHELL is marked "Nervex 61-64-D22-F38." If it is in fact a '61 Paramount, can anyone offer an opinion as to the quality of that year? I know that's an obscure question, but I've also seen some of you in here post particulars in regards to "cage" workers of certain eras.

cudak888
04-13-11, 07:28 AM
The Nervex shells, if not cleaned, will be stamped with similar markings indicating what angles they're made for.

The G78 stamp is genuine - it's a 1961 Paramount. The early Paramount construction was not as "polished" as later frames (lug filing is a bit less intensive, though the generally pooly-stamped Nervex lugs are pre-prepped, regardless), but they're great riding frames. Enjoy it.

-Kurt
cld_hrtd
04-13-11, 09:10 AM
Great info - thanks. I picked it up from the fella this morning and plan to start the build this weekend. If anybody else wants to add information it'd be greatly appreciated. I have a decent stable of bikes with histories and I'd love to know something I can't find on a website about these early 60's Paramounts.

Also-
The frame was sans fork. Any recommendation as to a good replacement fork? Maybe insight into what markings I'm looking for to get a near-original fork back on her?

Thanks again!!
cudak888
04-13-11, 10:18 AM
The frame was sans fork. Any recommendation as to a good replacement fork? Maybe insight into what markings I'm looking for to get a near-original fork back on her?

Look for a serial number stamped on the steerer to confirm a genuine Paramount. I'll post a photo of what one looks like in a bit.

-Kurt