While assembling the Campy NR bottom bracket this evening that I bought a year ago on ePay, I found some puzzling features that I'm hoping you guys can clarify. The spindle is marked with the Campy winged shield, along with 70-SSA. It measures 111-113mm long (my apologies for that... I'll get a more precise measurement tomorrow when I have access to my vernier calipers). I believe the "70" indicates an Italian spindle, while the "SS" is for a road double. I haven't found any references that explain the "A". My questions are these:

1) It appears this spindle is symmetrical. There is no measurable difference between the bearing shoulder-to-end length from one side to the other. With these ol' fart eyes I can't see any dimensional difference between the two ends. Is this true?

2) I didn't get any bearings with this. One online source says that some of these shield-stamped spindles take smaller (7/32") bearing balls, instead of the standard 1/4". Is this true? The bearing surface does seem to be raised, with a slight lip where the shaft meets the tapers. If so, my guess is the cups would need to match?

The Italian-threaded cups are standard steel with the media-blasted looking finish and the riflings in the spindle holes. Any insight you guys can give would be a huge help.