It's interesting how the fork design changed, industry-wide, when the 1950's appeared. A little more of a gradual taper, in contrast to your Russ. There are Simplex mechs and shift levers that will bring you closer to the y.o.m. I run an older Simplex lever and the Simplex 303 Touriste on the Barnard with a 4-speed, wide-range block. The 303 came out in the early '50's, it is said. That's a nice set of early-model Superhoods you've got on there, with the proper ferrules. I have a Strata seat pin on the Grubb. Very nice bike and good kit on your bike. I especially like the Brooks Swallow. Are those Phillips Apollo 83 pedals, and can you tell us what kind of bar tape that is? (looks green). How did you get that Midland bag looking so clean and nice? To answer your question, I think that putting a leather buffer ring (or two) on the top tube is entirely-appropriate. You could also go the route of installing a leather bag that rides under the top tube.