I had a really unique Modelo Equipe hand brake, specifically the base of the brake that attaches to the handlebar, and wonder if anyone is familiar with it and what others think. The bike is now sold and I wasn't really aware of it till I got ready to sell it. And I had it 3 or 4 years.

It appeared to be cast aluminum and on the sides there were 5 indented "stripes" cast into it. They had a very unique and interesting look, a detail, but very interesting. It seemed to me kind of an Art Deco look. I'm not sure if that is accurate or not. Is anyone familiar with this and what do you think? Are other brakes like this? I wish I had a photo, I'm sorry I don't. Thank you.

I used to have this on one of my bikes.

IIRC, the hoods had mating ridges molded on the inside to engage the indents and aid in preventing the hood from moving around on the lever body. Lots of times, expecially when you're climbing in warm weather, you can feel the hoods squirming on the bodies. This was a common feature on many, if not all, Modolo of the era.

Mine was cast aluminum and didn't have a hood over it; it was meant to show on its own. The hood would have covered it up I think.

Modolo did on some of the top end brakes (professional) maybe more have a brake lever body that had cast in detailing, most of the time is was covered by the gum hoods and never seen.

That might explain it. Most of the time it was probably covered up. Maybe you would lose a little comfort without the hoods. A neat looking detail though.

The indents can be found on even the relatively economical Speedy model.

You got 'em, T Mar, thank you. Would you use them uncovered or with hoods?

Well, given the supreme comfort of the #919 hoods, I'd use them with the hoods. But they do look nice all on their own.

They were made to be used with hoods and will be much more comfortable when so equipped.

You guys are awesome and it's not even my problem.

My 919 hoods got thin leather over the rubber, so they will last another generation, I expect.

It looks like I overestimated the desirability of these somewhat. But it is pretty obvious that they were good quality. I don't know the actual model other than Modelo Equipe. Thanks everybody for the help and input.

Modolo "Kronos" perhaps?

They were the cast aluminum ones that T-mar posted photos of above.