There will be a date stamped on the rear hub: two-digit month and two-digit year.

Rule #1 of bike restoration is DO NOT use sandpaper, steel wool, or wire brush on anything!

Some detergents and cleaning products can destroy fragile old decals and paint.

I suggest a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water and a rag, + boar's hair or plastic-bristle brush (but be careful of decals. A detergent or degreaser is OK for the chrome, chain, plastic, and rubber, but again be careful of the decals, especially until you know what you have.

You won't be able to retire by selling this. When you've got it cleaned up well, post good-quality pics in this thread and in the "what's it worth" subforum.

Does it have the dynamo front hub? Light? What's the model on the rear hub (probably AW, but could be something more exotic. Look up Sturmey Archer hubs on sheldonbrown.com for more info. Usually easiest to date a Raleigh 3 spd by the Sturmey Archer hub date, but you can find more info on dating the frame at Kurt's site, the headbadge: http://www.jaysmarine.com/bikecollection.html

Eric