[MENTION=286730]virula[/MENTION]: it wouldn't hurt to ask your local framebuilder what he'd charge to braze a new steer tub onto that fork, would it? Probably be more than a cheap replacement fork, but but maybe not too much more?[/QUOTE]

That's a good idea, I'll call and ask. I looked at the ground area as close as I could and really couldn't see any sign of hairline fractures. The grinding is not on the race, it is clearly limited to the steerer tube. Could be sabotage I guess . Maybe someone trying to become a rich widow?

I've already bought a replacement fork that I think will work. If the original steerer can be replaced I may still do that and use it. Otherwise I'll use the replacement. As for paint, we'll see. If I really love the bike once put together and the replacement fork just clashes too much, I may paint it. The original paint is nothing special really. It will polish ok (I tested a small section), but the paint rubs off quite easily, like a bad rattle-can job.

The bike is pretty neat, a "Triathlon Success" model, which means components mostly French: Sachs Huret New Success derailleurs, a very pretty Stronglight 107 crankset, maillard hubs, Mavic "rimtec 190" rims, maillard pedals. Weinmann brakes. It appears barely ridden.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wia337ueuo...Fork3.jpg?dl=0