spotting a good reynolds frame

[busdennis]

been watching this frame
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321063782693?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1426.l2649
but im sure its going to finnish out of my price range but is it possible to tell from a picture that it is an 853 and not just another tarted up 501

 

[black'n'yellow]

I don't think there's any obvious outward difference between the two - both can be TIG welded like the frame in the pic. The 853 stickers are readily available, so don't really provide much in the way of provenance. You will know when you pick it up though. Looking at the ad, and the bike spec, I would probably come down on the side of the bike being genuine.

 

[biggs682]

you wont have time to do this but ask for frame number and contact maker to verify .

mercian charge for this service not sure about others