the front will probably be for a 5/16" English axle of the period. If you aren't in love with the axle of the wheel, you can file a flat on the axle to get it into the dropouts. The nut will still thread on with the ~2/3 of the axle circumference still on there. You need only file the part which will go into the dropout. I recommend leaving the fork alone.

Alternatively, you can measure the distance between the centre of the axle and the rim braking surface, and compare it to the dropout-brake hole distance. Subtracting the radius from the dropout-brake hole distance will give you the required brake reach. No file required for this one

- Joel