Mystery "clubman's" frame

[dnc1]

Just acquired this last week.
Mystery British "clubman's road/path" frameset believed to be from the 1940's/50's.
The frame has track dropouts with mudguard eyes and has been drilled for brakes, probably at the time of manufacture.
Clues:
Some interesting details in the photos and traces of (possibly) original orange paint on the fork steerer tube and inside the bottom bracket shell.
Two different numbers stamped under BB shell, with the same two numbers also stamped on fork steerer tube.
Fork dropouts are also slightly unusually shaped.
Also has an 'M' or 'W' stamped on the fork steerer tube and an 'A' and '?2°' on the seat binder lug, these are the things that I don't usually see and found particularly interesting.
Any ideas anyone?

 

[bulldog1935]

no specific idea, other than the track dropouts are perfect for tightening the chain on a Sturmey Archer IG hub.
Since it's stamped right where Raleigh stamped their s/n, I ltook a quick look at old RRA, but the lugs aren't even close.
However, when you get there, you need cool wing-nuts for mud-guard quick release

@dnc1 - this is noteworthy.
I did run across this example 1955 shop-racer RRA with track dropout

Raleigh Record Ace (RRA) 1947-1954

Raleigh Record Ace, Raleigh RRA, Reg Harris

on-the-drops.blogspot.com

 

[corbettclassics]

Nice frame!! My first thought was an early Holdsworth when I saw the fork crown. I've seen the lugs before and the crown but need to think it out a little.
Holdsworth was known for their orange color as seen on the steer tube.

I believe the number on the seat cluster is most likely the angle at 72 degrees.

 

[dnc1]

no specific idea, other than the track dropouts are perfect for tightening the chain on a Sturmey Archer IG hub.
Since it's stamped right where Raleigh stamped their s/n, I ltook a quick look at old RRA, but the lugs aren't even close.
However, when you get there, you need cool wing-nuts for mud-guard quick release

View attachment 1588512 View attachment 1588513

@dnc1 - this is noteworthy.
I did run across this example 1955 shop-racer RRA with track dropout

Raleigh Record Ace (RRA) 1947-1954

Raleigh Record Ace, Raleigh RRA, Reg Harris

on-the-drops.blogspot.com

View attachment 1588518

I'm in two minds re. the forthcoming build.
Either a SA hub gear or double fixed rear hub.
I have many potential components already in the parts bin.
It was a chance find; my friend went to purchase a SA 3-speed fixed 'ASC' hub and as he was leaving, the seller asked him if he knew anyone that might be interested in this frame that had been hanging in the garage roof space for the last 25 years.
Fortunately Ian is too tall for this one and therefore contacted me.
I bought it sight unseen, at a very reasonable price.
If only I'd known about the 'ASC' hub too, that would be fantastic on something like this.

 

[corbettclassics]

I wonder if it's an old "Rotrax" as I have one real similar.
Such a beautiful frame - I think you scored on this one!

 

[dnc1]

Nice frame!! My first thought was an early Holdsworth when I saw the fork crown. I've seen the lugs before and the crown but need to think it out a little.
Holdsworth was known for their orange color as seen on the steer tube.

I believe the number on the seat cluster is most likely the angle at 72 degrees.

Thanks, it's certainly well made enough to be a Holdsworth, and those traces of orange paint certainly struck the same chord in my mind too.
I was perhaps thinking of a reverse of their classic paintwork, but in blue, with an orange band on the seat tube and head tube, but we'll see.
I figured it might be the angle of the frame geometry, but the unreadable part doesn't look like a '7'. I guess I'll have to get the protractor out, lol.

I wonder if it's an old "Rotrax" as I have one real similar.
Such a beautiful frame - I think you scored on this one!

That's another thought, I'm not that familiar with 'Rotrax' but I know a man who is; he owns a couple and is from that part of the world.
I've sent him an email so hopefully he may be able to shed some light on it.

 

[corbettclassics]

Actually I think the bike is an "Uppadine".

I knew I was familiar with it but didn't ring a bell at first.

I'll show a couple pics of mine for comparison. They are pretty rare bikes and you have the early version as mine is.

 

[corbettclassics]

Here ya go!!

Problem solved ....

 

[corbettclassics]

This is what your head badge will look like ( I've already had them made )

And also your lettering on the down tube is this block style - photo shown

 

[dnc1]

Here ya go!!

Problem solved ....

View attachment 1588586
View attachment 1588587


View attachment 1588589
View attachment 1588588


View attachment 1588590
View attachment 1588591

This is what your head badge will look like ( I've already had them made )

And also your lettering on the down tube is this block style - photo shown

View attachment 1588592


View attachment 1588594

Wow! I think you've nailed the identification!
That is a pretty rare find.
Thankyou so much for taking the time to pick that brain of yours.
Much appreciated.
Research needed now on my part.