You really can educate yourself fairly quickly.
Try some classic websites like these:
https://www.steel-vintage.com/bicycles/
https://bikespecialties.com/ Mike Barry, the owner of Bicycle Specialties, died last year, but a lot of his knowledge is on this website.
Posting here is a good start.
Also, check out these two places:
https://forums.thepaceline.net/ and
https://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/index.php. Some of the most knowledgable bicycle people in the western world frequent these sites.
Finally, check out the eroica movement too. Today the market is truly worldwide.
Keep at it.