SHIFTERS GALLERY (not available for sale)- last updated 10/29/06
Early Campagnolo Gran Sport handlebar end shifters
Rare, stem-mount Campagnolo "Open C" shifter
Note the "Open C" on the chromed clamp too.
From left to right, these shifter washers go from oldest to newest. The oldest came with the 1st version chromed-bronze "Open C" shift levers shown below from the late 40's(??) - early 50's. I believe that the next washer is from the early 50's - mid-60's and was used with the "Open C" alloy shift levers. The 3rd washer from the left, with the oval "O", was used from the mid/late 60's through the early-70's, and I believe that the far right washer was used through the late 70's at which time the shape of this washer was changed to one with a flat back side.
Note the broad base of the "A", the deep middle part of the "M", and the shapes of the "P" and "O" on this version. They are subtly different from the other 2 washers with the round "O"s. Also note the longer length of the lines flanking the word, "PATENT".
This version has very distinct oval "O"s.
Look at the 3 washers on the right. Can you tell which is which? ----->
This is a NOS example of the 1st version of the chromed-bronze shift lever from the late 40's(??) - early 50's. Note the unusual barrel with different diameters. (thanks hi.campy)
Lever barrel and washer for lever at left. (thanks hi.campy)
Here is an example of what I will call the 1st version of the alloy, "Open C" Campagnolo shifter set. Note the horseshoe shape of the C in "Campagnolo". The base of the lever on all Open C shifters is more slender than in later versions- it is common to see the lever bent in this area- it is supposed to be straight. This version is from 1953, and perhaps part of a year before, and after. The shifter set that preceded this was chromed bronze. I have confirmation of at least one Bianchi from 1954 that has the 2nd version, and at least one Bianchi from 1952 that has the chromed Bronze version. Thanks to Kevin Stimpson, (owner) for valuable information.
The distinctive feature on this 1st version of the Open C shifter set is (are?) the "pimples" in the "field" behind the letters. (As we all know, "bumps" describe the raised things around the edge. These "bumps" do not appear on the latest Record shifters from the '80's).
On this 1st version, note the flat clamp band and silver colored backing plate. Also note the slotted screw and nut that tightens the clamp.
These tiny wedges were used to help secure the shifter clamp to the downtube. One would fit under the clamp at the clamp tightening screw or bolt.
Here is an example of what I will call the 2nd version of the alloy, "Open C" Campagnolo shifter set. The 3rd version differs from the 2nd version only in the lack of a "Loopy L" on the clamp, (see the Gran Sport front derailleur pictures below).
On this 2nd version, note the smooth "field" behind the letters.
On this 2nd version, note the turned edges on the clamp band. Also note the bolt-with-shoulder that tightens the clamp. The backing plate is black on the 2nd and 3rd versions. The D-ring was an option in early catalogs to replace the chromed slotted screw as shown on the picture of version 1 above.
"Loopy L" as seen on the 1st version of the alloy "Open C" shifters.
An easy way to distinguish a clamp assembly that goes with "Open C" levers is the simple clamp tabs where the clamp screw goes through. The later shifters have significantly reinforced tabs.
This Campagnolo shifter is from about 1970. Note the "Closed C" which came after the "Open C". It has chromed backing plates- earlier versions had black backing plates. It also has cable guides which were eliminated in the late 70's
