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Warning serious vintage bike nerdery below;
Yes it's definitely original paint so the rollers, shifter brazon and Simplex/Agrati ends are original too.
The Juy 53 went on sale in '52 (I've seen its date given as '51 too) so it's probable this is how it was equipped
A Cyclo Benelux 2 cable rear also used a double pulley but clamped to the chainstay, Huret made a similar design in 1950 (I reckon Simplex ripped it off) but that didn't attach to a rear derailleur hanger
The detective work was the funnest part of this project.I know about the crazy flam paint jobs of late 40's early 50's bikes, Paris (Rensch) was a leader with these. I think Gillott were a bit less radical and I'm pretty much decided to return the bike to as original as I can.
absurdbird
@Big_Block
Is there any evidence of a repaint?
It is the twin roller on the RHS top of the bottom bracket was a later addition to the 1952 EA Boult frame I have. Dave Orr, the original owner wasn't impressed with how they worked, so it now only has the RD cable running through the single roller.
The roller, some extra cable stops, rear brake caliper mount reinforcing, downtube bottle cage mount, and the Campagnolo single downtube lever mount and CO2 pump mount were made by Roy Mitchell. Mitchell also sold these to other frame builders.
The Simplex cable operated FD would have come after 1952 (I think) so I am puzzled as to how a 1952 frame would have needed the dual pulley mount when it was originally built. Hence the question on the repaint.
Because of the braze-ons added to my Boult frame during the 1950s I run a Huret cable operated FD, but with a cable running under the bottom bracket to get the cable path flowing. It works well with a Cyclo bar end shifter.
For paint colours, Mercian has a wide range and the colours can often be seen in the framebuilders catalogues. The flamboyant colours (tinted semi-transparent coat over a silver or chromed base) or polychromatic (very fine metallic) were all available at the time.
Dave carefully drew the original spearpoint silver and magenta scheme for his Boult. This was recreated with the refinish. Lugs were not lined.
So not all bikes were solid single flat colours.