Juvela-
You are 100% correct! I mounted the crank backwards and didn't even notice. I don't know how I missed that, you are very attentive!
Here is a head badge that was kindly provided to me by a gentleman who helped me find some parts. It's on my to-do list, but I've never mounted a head badge and I'm not sure how I want to go about doing it. It seems like they often fell off, so I might pursue a route other than the standard rivets.
Thanks for all those links! Definitely interesting to check out. I love the blue/white paint with the distinctive lugs.
On the subject of brakes- The Mafac-esque HVZ brakes are certainly very cool. My frame can take a rear brake, and a good friend has a blue Record from the 80s that can take both front/rear brakes. I want to take my bike to a critical mass ride this weekend, but a large crowd of unruly and inexperienced riders makes me nervous without brakes. I'd hate to trash this thing within a week of finishing it. I may temporarily mount a rear Mafac until I can find one of the HVZ appropriate knockoffs.
I also located another set of those lovely hubs! I love that they look like they were made on a wood lathe, lol. With the huge tire clearances of this frame, I may build up a set of wheels with some beefy tires just for the novelty.
I made a couple minor tweaks to the bike tonight, I am extremely surprised at how nice it feels. The bearings are all great, everything feels dead solid, and handles beautifully at speed. I'm trying to take it easy, especially considering the the "artisanal" nature of the components, but this thing feels like an absolute rocketship.