I took this headset off an unmarked frame

(frame still un-identified... https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ntriguing.html )

and have been trying to research its origin ever since. I thought I’d solved the mystery when I discovered the FT Bologna “Lega Leggera” headset that was produced in a gold finish but after seeing an OMAS gold finish headset I’m not so sure now?? Unfortunately the locking top nut must have been lost at some stage as there was a Tange Falcon one with the bike.

The style of the headset where the Colnago pantographing is looks very similar to the OMAS “Big Sliding” Headset??



Missing Top nut unfortunately.

Colnago and cloverleaf pantograph is perfect.

IIRC, Ofmega made many Colnago-branded parts.

I would buy that, but have a vague recollection that an older chrome-plated steel HS I had on a "mystery" frame that also had "COLNAGO" branding on it was ID'd as made by Rino. I could VERY well be mistaken but the HS was definitely not as nice looking as the OP's gold example, I do remember that much!

EDIT: all credit to JDT, I took a look at Velobase and the Ofmega Super Competizione HS sure has a "family resemblance", even to the drillings in the race "skirt".
https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.as...m=111&AbsPos=5

​JohnDThompson Thankyou. I reckon you are spot on.

unworthy1 I agree, the Super Competizone is like for like comparison for sure.
My plan is to put this up for sale on EBay as I don’t own a Colnago....(yet ) and see if there are any keen Colnago enthusiasts willing to buy. Happy to give you first refusal if you’re serious about ownership though.

Nope, not me: I have never been a Colnago fan, but as you say there are certainly many enthusiasts out there who may be eager to own one (and...it's GOLD!) so GLWS
(when I wrote "I'd buy that" I meant I'd accept JDT's well-reasoned suggestion as to who made this headset, not any interest in owning the item...it's just an expression but can see how it would have seemed otherwise!)

“GLWS”....that’s a new one for me??

Out of interest, what is it about Colnago that doesn’t interest you?? As a relative newbie to vintage steel I’m struggling to get the same feel for Colnago as I do for say...Gios, Gitane and Wilier to name but a few. The range of model choice is mind boggling for me that I just don’t know where to start with the brand??

unworthy1 Thanks for the explanation there, I get what you were saying.

Looks like Gipiemme to me, Azzurra or Chronosprint; but you have drilled bits - special order for Colnago?

Always amazed at the amount of knowledge on these forums even when you struggle to find information on the internet. Thanks oneclick more investigation required.

If I were to answer this publicly I'm sure the flame war would be toasty! People love their own personal preferences, me included! But this one is a safe topic: GLWS = Good Luck With (the) Sale! (Sincerely)