I just talked to the original owner, turns out I'm the fourth owner... the third owner is off treasure hunting in the Atlantic right now.

Anyhow, it was bought in 1977 as a new frame, he had no clue what model number, style, manufacture year, any of that shiz. It said Eddie Merckx on the side and it was orange with a Reynolds 531 sticker on it... that's all he remembers.

He does have an old picture around somewhere of him on it in the late 70's... gonna try and get a photo scan.
For this information, leading to the apprehension and conviction of a really nice frame... I have to pay a six-pack of anything but Miller Light.

edited to add: Old Fat Guy, sorry about the quiz... didn't know exactly where or what to include. I thought I added enough pictures of pertinent parts.
Thanks for the help.