Thanks to all that chimed in on this. Found out what I wanted to know...French thread clipless is a rare bird. I agree the sensable thing to to do is tap the crank....who's going to know...it's really a mind game.

Alternate ideas came to me as a result of everyone's input... 1) look at the shoe.. Can I take a contemporary shoe and mount an old school cleat to it and use an old school (and use the French threaded pedal that I already own)

2) how about taking a die to a standard clipless pedal and making it french?

When it's all said and done it's only a bike for god's sake. What makes it fun is there are multiple solutions to the puzzle. It all comes down to what fits your personal aesthetic (and circumstances).

Enough talk...bolt something on and go ride!