Originally Posted by
dbakl
a) I've had 3, 2 had the plate on the seat tube, 1 does not. Perhaps it was a model feature?
b) The rumor is they were assembled in prison, I don't think the frames were built in prison. If fact, 2 of the frames I've had are identical in every way to a contemporary Olmo I have. I wouldn't be surprized if frames were just bought and labeled Girardengo.
BTW, there were at least 2 headbadges: one matches the seat tube decal in the original post which I believe is the earlier, the second is the oval. I have one of each right now.
thank you for this response dbakl. The headplate i always remember is the one with the rider coming straight at the viewer and with the signature superimposed. i cannot recall seeing the second nameplate affixed to the seat tube on another marque. prolly just my limited experience...
wrt to similarity to Olmo: Have had five or six Olmo from this period and really love that Agrati lugset. iirc Guiseppe Olmo was a cycling champion at the Los Angeles Olympic Games of 1932 and eventually talked his family in starting a cycle manufacturing business. I think they were already in manufacturing but cannot recall the products. Was it something like typewriters/adding machines? Have seen tyres labelled Olmo but it would seem unlikely they actually made them. Probably a contract job from someone such as Atalanta Gomma.
thanks again for your response. ;^D