The unofficial Holdsworth website mentions that they did not put Reynolds decals on their frames unless specifically requested. That was most likely during the 70s. Bikes and frames coming to the US probably had Reynolds decals on them.
It's in here, you just have to look around for the info:
http://www.nkilgariff.com/
The Reynolds decals on your bike are definitely French language re-pops and probably never would have been found on ANY Brit bike! Also, the 3 TUBES RENFORCE frame decal indicated that only the 3 main frame tubes were made of Reynolds 531 tubing. The rest of the frame would have usually been made of gas pipe tubing!
eBay seller Greg Softly listing as Cyclomondo sells sets with 3 Tubes Reynolds decals plus a pair of Reynolds fork decals. Those who don't know gleefully paste the Reynolds stickers everywhere and claim that their frame is "ALL" Reynolds 531! Ignorance is not bliss!
That said, I have several all Reynolds 531 Motobecanes with 3 Tubes Renforce main frame stickers and Reynolds fork decals. Is it wrong or just French?
By the mid 70s the Reynolds self adhesive decals were a little more robust than the earlier water slide decals.
My guess it that your bike is a real Holdsworth Special made of Reynolds 531 that never had decals from the factory.
Holdsworth sold complete bikes plus bare frames so components are not necessarily a good way to judge the age of the complete bike.
Seeing as how it's equipped with Campy NR components it either came that way from Holdsworth or someone built it up that way. With all of those expensive components it doesn't make sense that someone would hang them of a cheap frame.
I have a 1973 Holdsworth Competizione that I bought on eBay about 4 years back. The seller was trying to bill it as a top of the line Holdsworth Team Professional. I knew that it wasn't but bought it for the components plus the frame in orange and blue Team Kit.
The Competizione was described as "Built with good quality tubing" what ever that means? My guess is that it has straight gage Reynolds 531 main tubes and who knows whatever the rest is. I bet it weighs over 25 Lbs. It takes a 26.6mm or 26.8mm seatpost.
If your bike has a 27.0mm or 27.2mm seatpost then it's most likely butted Reynolds 531 tubing (only the 3 main tubes and the steerer are butted, the rest are not - see picture).
Here's some pictures of my 1973 Competizione that I just posted on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2826722...7627858982976/
Whatever model your Holdsworth is, it should be a great riding bike, enjoy! :-)
BTW, where's POSAW???
Chas. verktyg