pastorbob,
I agree with you about not trying to find the old owner. There is no wiggle-room there, they didn't want it or know what it was and didn't care, they went out of their way to get rid of it and you saved it from the scrap heap. Good for you, I think you should have a completely clear conscience about selling it to a collector who will display it and love it. My suggestion is that all the money you get should be spent on bikes! And you should have a good time both selling the bike and learning about it and using the proceeds to build yourself something truly special.
I say the world's best dumpster dive should turn into a "bike of a lifetime" type of project.
Congrats and I will continue to watch your posts.
oh, and what would your "dream bike" be?
swen