Thank you all very much, that is some top info there I'm obviously very pleased, and yes it was the from ebay, i spilled tea down myself in my hurry to snap it up

In relation to the Bottecchia decals being painted over, I thought it was a possibility but would have expected that section to be raised, instead it is cut into the paint, but as I say I don't know about paint and decals, so would they have added some sort of transfer with the logo cut into it, and then painted over that? I can see no traces of paint to hint its been touched up.

Interestingly as Bottecchia are still in business, I thought I'd send an email to the UK division asking them if they knew about the decals or could confirm age, or if they had any contacts in Italy that I could ask to try and find out more. I had a reply today, on a Sunday too, fair play to them I was very impressed, saying that Bottecchia have very few early records, but he knew a guy that may be able to help and he's forwarded the info on. Maybe its one of you They said they would keep me informed of any findings, so I'll report back if there's any more info.

Thanks again everyone for your help.