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@clubman
The type of brake lever shown here was more usually clamped to the (near) vertical tube of the handlebar stem, not to the bars themselves.
In this more orthodox position the rod connecting the lever to the brake stirrup will be straight, and will the brake will be more efficient (although not necessarily brilliant).
I realise that the long extension may make the lever awkward to reach if mounted in the way that I'm suggesting, but that beautiful stem is anachronistic on this bike.
It is possible to get roadster brakes to work reasonably well, but it takes a bit of patience. Unfortunately most of the rims are chromed and this is a lousy surface for braking, after a few tens of thounsands of miles you will get down the steel under the chrome, and then you'll find the braking improves!
I do own an actual prewar 'path' frame, and I'm hoping to assemble it with period kit, but I'm afraid it doesn't have top priority at the moment.