Last Fall I acquired this old Raleigh. It appears to have been through several incarnations and it looks like most of the original components have been replaced. Basically, I'd like to find out what the model and year is. I've crawled all over the pages at, www.sheldonbrown.com, and www.retroraleighs.com but can't seem to come to a conclusion. A few things that have stumped me are: the pump tabs under the top tube; the oval badge; and the serial number.

From looking at the vintage brochures (http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html) the only brochure that shows top tube pump tabs is 1958 (Obviously 1959-1961 are not available). All other years either show down tube tabs or seat post tabs with earlier version being tabs and later models being around-the-tube style bands.

The badge is another story... I don't know ...i just haven't done enough research to know what-is-what with the years. I've heard that the oval was late '60s?

The serial number....the only stamped numbers on the frame (#810800) are located near the seat tube on the top of the top tube (see pic below). According to http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/dating.html the only serial numbers that didn't contain letters were from the late 1800's to early 1900's. I'm pretty sure this bike isn't one of those. The only other Raleigh, according the the site, that didn't have letters in the serial number were "the 531DB Gran Sports built in the early 70's did not have letters in the serial number". Again, unless i'm wrong, these didn't have the top tube pump tabs and/or oval badges.

Oh, and the shifting levers and derailers are Simplex ..old and cracked plastic? bakelite?

I know very little about these bicycles and hope that one of you knowledgeable enthusiasts can identify my Frankenstein.

Thanks!!

Here are a few pics that I have.